Review Begins On Reclamation Request For Water

State water managers have started considering the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s applications to use some water stored in federal reservoirs for salmon recovery efforts.

Reclamation on May 15 filed 17 applications to add flow augmentation and salmon revival as uses for water stored behind 13 of its reservoirs in the Snake River Basin. The bureau’s present water rights list primarily only irrigation and power generation as uses.

If the Idaho Department of Water Resources and the Legislature approve the applications, Reclamation would have the right to store and release up to 427,000 acre-feet of water each year for the fish runs.

Individuals and groups who want to take part in the application approval process can do so on an informal or formal basis.

The deadline for filing formal protests with Water Resources is June 26.The applications cover water rights of up to 5.2 million acre-feet of storage water. Reclamation said in its application that not more than 427,000 acre-feet would be released during any water year.

After the protest period has closed on June 26, Water Resources will continue to accept informal written comment until July 15. Prehearing conferences around the state are anticipated this summer, followed by formal hearings if necessary.