Water Measurement Districtfor Ground Water Rights in the

Upper Big Wood River Basin

IDWR PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGMARCH 14, 2011

HAILEY, ID

Area of NoticeUpper Big Wood River

Over 500 Notices Sent (GW Right Holders Only)

Excluding domestic and stock ground water rights, and other non-irrigation rights <= 0.24 cfs diversion rate

Number of Ground Water Rights & Wells in AreaAbout 800 ground water rights total

About 740 unique well locations total (per water rights)

537 ground water rights & over 500 wells with irrigation use > 5 acres and/or diversion rate > 0.24 cfs

258 ground water rights & over 230 wells with irrigation use < 5 acres

Total water rights cfs (gross) ≈ 890 cfs1 1 Not including irrigation rights < 5 acres which adds only 24 cfs gross

Water Districts

Chapter 6, Title 42, Idaho CodeCreated by order of Director of IDWR for purposes of water right administration, specifically, distribution of water from public or natural water sources in accordance with water right priority dates.

Water Districts

Creation of Water Districts“The director shall divide the state into water

districts … such that each public stream and tributaries, or independent source of water supply, shall constitute a water district.”

“The director may create a water district by entry of an order … in order to properly administer uses of the water resource.”

Idaho Code § 42-604

Idaho Water Districts

Water Districts

Features Watermasters elected annually to provide water

distribution services - elected by users, appointed by IDWR Director- compensated by users via assessments- receive guidance/direction from Director

Advisory Committee elected annually- comprised of water users in district - serve in advisory capacity to watermaster and director, draft and implement resolutions, may mediate problems within district

Water Districts

General Duties of Watermaster: 1) deliver water in accordance with water right priority dates- authority to control/regulate diversion works

2) measure and report diversions under water rights3) provide annual reports of expenses & water delivered (watermaster report, daily log books or distribution report, proposed budget)

4) report and control unauthorized diversions

Water DistrictsMeetings, Elections, Budgets

Annual meeting held to elect watermaster, adopt a budget and resolutions, and select an advisory committee.

Voting is by majority vote of users present, or if requested, by alternative method that involves votes equal to dollar amount assessed.

Idaho Code § 42-605

Water DistrictsMeetings, Elections, Budgets

Amount of water use is basis for assessments. (IC § 42-612)

Alternative methods and flexibility provided for voting and assessment of non-consumptive uses. (IC § 42-605A)

Budget collected either by county or by district. (IC § 42-612 and 42-618)

Participation is mandatory

Water Measurement Districts

Chapter 7, Title 42, Idaho CodeCreated by order of Director of IDWR for purposes of measurement and reporting water use only.

(Legislation effective 1995, 3 districts created in the ESPA in 1996 which have since transitioned to water districts)

Water Measurement Districts

Features Created in areas where measurement is required by

Director but where water rights are not yet adjudicated. Eventually replaced by water districts.

Similar to Water Districts in method of creation and organization

Certain uses/entities may be excluded from districts but obligated to measure and report to IDWR including:

- hydropower, aquaculture, instream uses- water districts, ground water districts and irrigation districts

Water Measurement Districts

Features Hydrographers elected annually to provide

measurement and reporting services - compensated by users via assessments- receive guidance/direction from Director- have no regulatory authority - report illegal diversions, excessive uses

Water Measurement Districts

Features Annual meetings to elect hydrographer and

advisory committee, adopt budget and resolutions- committee comprised of water users in district - serve in advisory capacity to hydrographer and director, draft and implement resolutions etc

Annual measurement & budget reports requiredAssessments

- up to $50/diversion and pro-rata charge against water right diversion rate

Creation Timeline(Measurement District or Water District)

Mail individual noticePublish notice in local papers (two weeks)Hold hearing at least ten days after noticeTen day comment periodIssue orderForm Steering Committee for annual meetingIssue notice of annual meeting and conduct

meeting to elect hydrographer and adopt budget

District Creation

Measurement District meeting is fist Monday of November, by law, or

Between first Monday of November & fourth Monday of February, by district resolution

Director can schedule special meeting or first meeting at any time

District CreationWho’s usually included:

For measurement & reporting purposes: typically include all wells/rights except:- domestic/stock water- small irrigation (<= 5 acres)- other small rights/uses (<= 0.24 cfs)

Domestic/stock rights/diversions excluded from water districts (other WMD exclusions may not apply)

District Creation & Measurement RequirementsLikely Scenario:Order to require installation of flow meters

Phase-in over one to two yearsSubmittal of measurement plans in first yearElectro-magnetic flow meter is standard

Variance may be provided upon submittal of planOther metersPower consumption methodTime clocks

What is a Mag Meter?Technology around for 50 yearsOriginally “reserved” for liquid flow

measurement in the industrial and wastewater markets

Over last 15 years - prices changed to allow more widespread use

In Plain English . . .

As a conductive liquid passes through a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the direction of flow - the liquid induces a voltage proportional to the average flow velocity.

Since the inside diameter of the meter is known, volumetric flow rate can be calculated.

How Does a Mag Meter Work?

Typical Magnetic flowmeter Sensor configuration

Typical mag set up

Why Does It Work So Well ?Mag Meter has no moving parts and averages the sum of the voltage of all particles. The result: a Mag Meter is less affected by pipe turbulences than other meter technologies

Mag Meter Costs?Approximate

For 10 inch diameter:$ 2,000 – 3,400Plus installation cost