Brian Murdock, an East Idaho farmer, highlighted the significant implications of a state-issued curtailment during an interview on "The Bottom Line". The Idaho Department of Water Resources has mandated a curtailment affecting 500,000 acres, equating to approximately 781 square miles of agricultural land, thereby reducing production capabilities. Murdock emphasized the irony of this situation occurring in a year with abundant water reserves, with reservoirs at full capacity and rivers at peak flow, aimed at preventing dam failures.
The Idaho Groundwater Appropriators, representing various water users in southeastern Idaho, has labeled this as the largest water use curtailment in the state's history. This action is expected to desiccate extensive farmland areas, potentially leading to significant economic losses for the state.
Governor Brad Little addressed the issue, pointing to the unseen depletion of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, which sustains the Snake River. Efforts are underway to align groundwater users with an approved mitigation plan to address this depletion. Murdock criticized the curtailment, suggesting the governor has the authority to terminate it and accused the state of legally cornering the farmers.
Source: foxbusiness.com