IDWR to meet with water users, answer questions

BONNERS FERRY — The Idaho Department of Water Resources 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 each month.

IDWR invites property owners and water users to meet with Luke Bates, senior water resource agent, on Wednesday, May 15, 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. 

IDWR will staff office hours in Bonners Ferry on the third Wednesday of each month in 2024 to provide in-person customer service. Anyone with questions about anything from water use and water rights to proposed stream channel alterations and more is encouraged to stop by.

Future office hours will be announced. 

Boundary County currently has several municipal water providers, which serve a large population within the county. While many property owners may be served by 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, please contact Luke Bates at 208-762-2817 or the IDWR Northern Regional Office at 208-762-2800.