Statement Of Purpose

TITLE 42 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE — WATER RIGHTS AND RECLAMATION CHAPTER 17 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES — WATER RESOURCE BOARD 42-1730. Statement of purpose. The legislature finds and declares that: (1)  The water resources and waterways of Idaho constitute a valuable renewable resource; (2)  The welfare of the people of Idaho is dependent upon conservation, development and optimum use of our water resources and waterways; (3)  State regulation of development and use of our water resources and waterways is necessary to ensure water is available to meet the present and future needs of the people of Idaho; (4)  The development of Idaho’s water resources for hydropower, irrigation, domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and other uses in a manner that considers competing uses and values provides important benefits to the people of Idaho; (5)  Comprehensive planning is necessary to minimize conflicts between competing uses and to ensure optimal protection of all beneficial uses of water; (6)  A single state agency should formulate a comprehensive state water plan; (7)  Selected rivers possessing outstanding fish and wildlife, recreational, aesthetic, historic, cultural, natural or geologic values should be protected for the public benefit and enjoyment; (8)  Section 401 of the federal clean water act gives the state certification authority to regulate activities licensed or permitted by federal agencies to insure the protection of the quality of state water; and (9)  The comprehensive state water plan required by this chapter shall not alter any existing responsibilities, jurisdiction or planning functions of state agencies established by state or federal law.