Idaho water rights process starts with mailing

Becky Kramer
Spokesman Review
January 11, 2009

Idaho Department of Water Resources will begin adjudicating water rights in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane River basin this week with a mailing to 1,200 property owners in the 83869 zip code in the Spirit Lake area.

Through the process, water users can file claims for their existing use, which will give them clear title to the water. The cost of filing is $25 for most small domestic water users.

The adjudication “will enhance the value of a water right holder’s property by giving certainty to their water right,” said David Tuthill, direcctor of the Department of Water Resources.

Adjudication will also help the department learn how much water in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane River basin is being used. The information will help the state determine how and when to issue new water rights.

Water right holders can visit the department’s Web site to file their claims: www.idwr.idaho.gov/water/North_Id_Adju/. For more information, call (208) 762-2800.