Local farmer Brian Murdock appeared in an interview on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason to discuss the increasingly critical state of Idaho’s water supply. Following a winter of low snowpack, Murdock reported that surface water systems are expected to run dry at various points this season, depending on the specific canal system. He noted that agricultural producers are already making adjustments to crop rotations and irrigation positions to mitigate the impact.
Murdock highlighted the immediate consequences for Idaho’s agricultural output, stating that hay tonnage could be significantly reduced, potentially limiting farmers to two or two-and-a-half crops rather than the standard four. He added that the potato and grain crops are also facing challenges due to low moisture levels and market price fluctuations. Beyond the immediate growing season, Murdock expressed concern regarding the 2024 mitigated settlement agreement, noting that all parties must decide by the end of this year whether to re-enlist or seek a new mitigation plan.
To move past what he described as “clunky, cobbled together deals,” Murdock advocated for a substantial increase in surface water storage capacity. While acknowledging that rebuilding the Teton Dam is a long-term goal with political hurdles, he identified more immediate options. He suggested that raising the Jackson Lake Dam by ten feet could add 300,000 acre-feet of storage. Additionally, Murdock recommended pursuing federal regulation changes for the American Falls and Ririe reservoirs to allow for higher water retention levels, which he argued would be easier to implement than new construction.
The discussion also addressed the role of Idaho Power in water management. Murdock explained that the utility is heavily involved in cloud-seeding efforts, which are reimbursed by the state. These operations target specific mountain ranges to increase snowpack for the benefit of both hydropower and irrigation. Murdock concluded by emphasizing the broader economic stakes, noting that water shortages on a single farm can result in a loss of millions of dollars to the regional economy, underscoring the need for more permanent infrastructure solutions.
