Mitigation Plans

The use of mitigation plans in the context of water distribution is a relatively new concept, but one whose utility has proven invaluable in Idaho. Mitigation plans are used to offset the impacts of a junior-priority water right on senior-priority water rights. More to the point, they are used to protect junior rights from being shut off during times of water shortage.

Mitigation plans must be tailored to meet the specific needs of both the senior and junior water users with the available water supplies, delivery systems, hydrologic conditions, and geographic constraints.

Because of our involvement solving monumental conflicts between senior surface rights and junior groundwater rights on the Snake River Plain, our experience developing and successfully implementing mitigation plans is unmatched. We have also developed mitigation plans to facilitate new land developments, including one of Idaho’s largest mining projects.