Downey residents dispute water transfer

Some people in Downey have come together to try and stop a local farmer from getting a transfer of water rights and building a new well on his property.

This comes after the opponents say this farmer watered potatoes so much and for so long, it caused other wells to run almost dry.

Dirk Parkinson says he has not used more water than he was allocated in his rights, but more than 30 other residents disagree.

Catherine Read said after she contacted the Idaho Geological Survey, she found out there is just not a lot of information out there about the marsh valley area.

“What I found surprising is the Idaho Geological Survey, the Water Resources Board and the people who should know what’s happening with the hydrology around here don’t,” said Read.

She says despite the word “marsh” in the name, the area is very desert-like. She and other folks said if they have no water, there’s no way to raise crops, livestock and their families.

“Just because you have the water right, doesn’t mean you have the water to support it,” she said. “And I think we’re over-allocated on water rights now.”

Parkinson said he has data that shows potatoes use less water than alfalfa, which is a common crop in Marsh Valley. He said he actually considers growing potatoes a favor to the area because he’s using less water on his crops than some farmers.

No decision was made Tuesday, as it was just public comment. Parkinson also declined to comment on-camera, but did say he is willing to work with the residents on an individual basis to try and put to rest any misunderstandings there may be. He said he hopes to settle this before the public hearing that’s set for the middle of February 2015.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources said this brings up the issue of management. Water Resources Program Manager James Cefalo said they’re not equipped to monitor all wells in the region to make sure everyone is only using their fair share.

Read said that fact is obvious, as there have been over 200 domestic wells added since the early 1990s. Domestic-use wells need no water rights permit and therefore don’t need approval. She said all those individual homes using the groundwater adds up, creating a concern that needs to be addressed soon.