Idaho officials seek Swan Falls water mitigation plan

State and Idaho Power Co. officials are working to establish a mitigation plan for the Swan Falls Agreement by the 2027 irrigation season. The plan aims to address Snake River flow levels, which recently approached the minimum specified in the 1984 agreement between the state and the Boise-based utility.

The proposed mitigation strategy would outline how holders of trust water rights, issued after the original agreement, will supply Idaho Power with the required water volume if flows fall below the minimum threshold. Potential measures include right holders receiving less water or securing additional reservoir-stored water for the company.

The Idaho Water Resource Board’s Swan Falls Implementation Group has held meetings with various stakeholders, including the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, the Idaho Association of Cities, and the Idaho Rural Water Association. Further discussions are planned with groundwater districts and food processors to finalize protections for water users.