IDWR water resources agent in Bonners Ferry today

BONNERS FERRY – The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) is committed to serving the citizens of Idaho by ensuring that water is conserved and available for the sustainability of Idaho’s economy, ecosystems and quality of life.

IDWR’s commitment to property owners and water users in Idaho includes responsive communication with water users and effective management of Idaho’s water resources. To that end, IDWR staff is creating a public outreach opportunity for Bonners Ferry and Boundary County residents by hosting monthly office hours beginning this month.

IDWR invites property owners and water users to meet with Luke Bates, senior water resource agent, on Wednesday, April 17, anytime from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boundary County Annex Building, 6566 Main St., Bonners Ferry. Office hours are set up to accommodate walk-ins for convenience on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bates will staff office hours in Bonners Ferry thereafter on the third Wednesday of each month in 2024 to provide in-person customer service. Anyone with questions about water use, water rights, proposed stream channel alterations, temporary water usage and more are encouraged to stop by and talk to Bates.

The future dates of IDWR agent-on-duty office hours will be publicized throughout the community and by Boundary County as well.

IDWR appreciates the partnership with Boundary County in making the office space available at the Annex building and assisting with notifying the public about this opportunity.

Boundary County currently has several municipal water providers, which serve a large population within the county. While many property owners may be served via those water providers, landowners may wish to harness additional water resources by securing water rights or confirming existing water rights. In most instances, surface water uses require recorded water rights. IDWR can help water users with their questions.

For additional questions related to IDWR’s outreach services in Bonners Ferry and Boundary County, contact Luke Bates at 208-762-2817 or the IDWR Northern Regional Office at 208-762-2800.