Derek Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Eagle Eye Produce, discusses the ongoing water curtailment issue in East Idaho. The issue, which has been ongoing for over two decades, involves conflicts between groundwater users and surface water users. Davis expressed concern over the government’s approach, which he feels pits these two groups against each other.
He criticized the state’s decision to curtail water on May 30th, a time when farmers had already invested heavily in their crops. He also questioned the accuracy of the data model used by the Idaho Department of Water for the aquifer, stating that it has proven to be inaccurate and has led to a lack of trust in current negotiations.
Davis called for a better long-term water plan from the state and for Governor Little and Lieutenant Governor Bedke to get more involved in the discussions. He also highlighted the need for infrastructure changes and better water management, pointing out that over a million acre-feet of water leaves the state every year due to mismanagement.
The deadline set by the governor for an agreement is October 1st, but Davis feels this is too soon and that the issue requires a legislative solution. Davis intends to continue to inform the public about the issue, as it affects not only agricultural individuals but also the state’s GDP, a third of which comes from agricultural production.