This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code to clarify and revise the definitions and regulations surrounding domestic water uses. It redefines "domestic purposes" to encompass specific uses such as water for homes, livestock, and limited irrigation, while imposing new limitations on water use for mobile home parks, apartments, and commercial establishments unless they meet certain criteria. The legislation introduces provisions for multiple water rights for domestic purposes from the same point of diversion for residential use, explicitly excluding uses like irrigation of lawns or gardens. Additionally, it enhances enforcement mechanisms by allowing the director of the Department of Water Resources to notify property owners of excess water use and impose civil penalties for non-compliance, which can accumulate annually until resolved.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the management and delivery of water within subdivisions, particularly regarding the integration of water systems with municipal providers and the use of surface water for irrigation. A new section outlines requirements for subdivisions within the service area of a municipal provider, mandating the design of shared wells or public water systems to ensure compatibility. It also requires subdivisions to provide for the irrigation of lots using surface water if reasonably available and mandates detailed descriptions of irrigation systems in subdivision plats. The bill repeals outdated regulations and clarifies property owner liabilities for non-compliance with water delivery requirements, emphasizing the need for civil actions to enforce compliance. An emergency clause establishes that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 42-111, 42-227, 42-351, 42-1805, 31-3805, 31-3806, 50-1334, 67-6508, 67-6537
Engrossment 1: 42-111, 42-227, 42-351, 42-1805, 31-3805, 31-3806, 50-1334, 67-6508, 67-6537