Southern Idaho Water Wars Subsiding

If a judge approves four southern Idaho groundwater districts to purchase three area fish farms that could mean the end to the southern Idaho water wars.  The Times News reports today that the process is in place for Southern Idaho groundwater pumpers to purchase  three fish farms, including Blue Lakes Trout, Clear Lakes Trout and Rim View Trout fish farms in the Thousand Springs area. If the judge approves the process, known as judicial confirmation, then the four groundwater districts can take on the long term debt without a vote by the districts members.  The purchase by the groundwater pumpers would resolve a cycle of water calls and lawsuits that stand to affect water use across the region. The total price for the farms is $30 million.  The purchase would allow the pumpers to purchase, along with the associated water rights, .more than 400 cubic feet per second as currently flowing.  The water districts involved in the purchase include  Aberdeen-American Falls, Bingham, Magic Valley and North Snake groundwater districts.  If approved by the judge, the districts will have 20 years to repay the debt.