Junior and Senior Water Users in Idaho Reach Deal to Temporarily Suspend Curtailment on Big and Little Lost Basins
Idaho Water Users Strike Agreement to Protect Farmers During Drought Emergency
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Junior and senior water users in Idaho have reached an agreement to temporarily suspend curtailment on the Big and Little Lost Basins for the next two weeks, providing critical relief to farm families across Butte County while a technical review process moves forward. The deal, announced April 17 by the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, Inc. (IGWA), represents a cooperative effort between groundwater and surface water users during one of the state’s most pressing drought emergencies in recent memory.
The agreement comes days after Idaho Governor declared a statewide drought emergency on April 13, following record-low snowpack conditions across much of the state. That declaration triggered a curtailment order affecting water users who are not part of an approved mitigation plan under the longstanding Surface Water Coalition delivery call.
The Big Lost and Little Lost basins had taken the required steps to join the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan — a framework that shields participating water users from curtailment — but remain in a waiting period ahead of a May 4 hearing, where final consideration of a First Addendum would formally add three groundwater districts to the plan. Until that hearing, the basins were left exposed to curtailment despite having followed the proper procedural steps.
Curtailment Order and the Path to Agreement
The agreement follows a curtailment order issued by Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Mathew Weaver, who kept curtailment in place while a technical working group evaluates the proposed First Addendum. Rather than wait out a process that could harm crops and farm livelihoods in the interim, IGWA and the Surface Water Coalition (SWC) worked together to finalize the two-week suspension, and a joint motion has been filed with IDWR for approval.
Little Lost River Ground Water District Chairman Kirk Nickerson expressed both relief and gratitude following the announcement. “We have taken the right steps to join a mitigation plan and avoid curtailment, so we were disappointed when that relief did not come yesterday,” Nickerson said. “We are deeply grateful to farmers on all sides who moved quickly to come together and find a solution that helps keep water on, protects crops, and supports the livelihoods of families across this basin. We know that kind of cooperation takes sacrifice, and we are thankful for the support shown by this community of water users.”
Butte County Commissioner Blake Van Etten called the agreement a necessary lifeline for an agriculturally dependent community. “Butte County depends on agriculture, and today’s agreement gives our farmers and communities breathing room while this process moves forward,” Van Etten said. “This agreement is a strong example of what can happen when people stay at the table and work toward a practical solution. This step helps protect farm families, local businesses, and the broader community while the technical review continues.”
The broader stakes extend beyond individual farms. The Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) — one of the most significant groundwater resources in the American West — sits at the center of Idaho’s ongoing water management challenges. IGWA emphasized that protecting the aquifer’s long-term health, alongside the economic stability of Idaho agriculture, remains a shared priority for both groundwater and surface water stakeholders.
IGWA President Stephanie Mickelsen highlighted the agreement as proof that practical cooperation between competing water interests is achievable. “This shows once again that even when water users do not agree on every issue, farmers can still come together, act in good faith, and find solutions quickly when it matters most,” Mickelsen said. “That willingness to act quickly, solve problems, and protect Idaho agriculture is exactly what makes partnership between groundwater and surface water users so important.”
For context on broader statewide infrastructure and community stories across Idaho, readers can follow coverage at Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.
What Comes Next
The two-week suspension of curtailment gives the technical working group time to review data and work toward mutual acceptance of the three groundwater districts into the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan. The critical milestone arrives at the May 4 hearing, where the First Addendum will receive formal consideration. If approved, the Big Lost and Little Lost basins will receive the same curtailment protections currently extended to other plan participants. Farmers, county officials, and water administrators across Bonneville County and the broader East Idaho region will be watching closely as drought conditions continue to stress water supplies heading into the growing season. A full report on the agreement is expected from officials next week. Bonneville County News will continue to monitor developments as they unfold. You can also read about community milestones and local history with coverage like State Trailer’s 100-year journey, a reminder of the deep roots that tie Idaho communities together.