TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — After several months of negotiations, a deal between the surface water users and the groundwater users has been reached. Both groups have agreed to an updated deal that serves as a compromise between the senior and junior water rights holders.
“Navigating the past few months has been daunting; our members have come in early and stayed late during harvest season to work through the very real issues addressing our water situation here in Idaho. While our surface water members were satisfied with the original mitigation agreement from 2016 that put the preservation of the ESPA first, we entered into negotiations with an open mind and willingness to listen to our fellow farmers about their concerns,” said Jaw Barlogi, Twin Falls Canal Co. general manager.
This deal is one that the governors office says will protect Idaho agriculture, conserve water for upcoming generations and safeguard state sovereignty…