Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state of Idaho will soon begin sorting out water rights on its side of the aquifer that Spokane and Coeur d’Alene share.

It’s the latest step in the long-term jockeying between Idaho and Washington about the use of that huge underground water source. North Idaho correspondent Doug Nadvornick reports.

For now, there’s enough water in the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer to satisfy everyone’s needs. But as the region grows, there will be more demand for that precious resource.

So Idaho is acting now to protect its share.

Judge John Melanson recently ruled Idaho can begin accepting claims from people and governments that already pump water from the aquifer.

Dave Tuthill, the director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources, says it’s a simple way for users to preserve their water rights as competition for that water grows.

Dave Tuthill: “By filing a claim they’ll report to us the location of their water use and the nature of their use and that will result ultimately in a decree issued by the court that will stay with the property.”

Washington state officials are considering whether to follow suit to make sure water users on the Spokane side of the aquifer can keep their water rights.

Online:

Idaho Department of Water Resources