Water Law

Unlike much of the western United States, North Idaho's natural environment has historically provided sufficient surface water and groundwater resources to meet the agricultural, commercial and domestic demands of its residents.  However, as North Idaho continues to experience unprecedented commercial and residential growth and we deal with ever changing climate conditions, North Idaho and Eastern Washington are faced with an ever growing need to manage our water resources.

Adjudication

In general, in Idaho, those who first appropriate water and apply it to beneficial use have priority over other users when the supply becomes insufficient for all who want to use it.  In an effort to manage our water resources, the State of Idaho will initiate the North Idaho Adjudication in effort to identify, manage, and administer water rights in North Idaho.  The Idaho Department of Water Resources anticipates the Rathdrum Prairie Adjudication will begin in 2008.  Water right holders should anticipate the adjudication and be prepared to demonstrate their continued appropriation for beneficial use to avoid a potential loss or reduction of their existing water right.

Claims

The attorneys at Ramsden & Lyons, LLP have anticipated the North Idaho Adjudication and are prepared to assist water right and water permit holders through the adjudication process.  In addition, the attorneys at Ramsden & Lyons, LLP can assist those seeking to establish a water right through the water permit application process.  In recognition that management of our water resources will continue to shape the growth of our region, the attorneys at Ramsden & Lyons, LLP are prepared to assist water right and holders in protecting and defending their water rights.

Water has and will continue to shape the growth of North Idaho and Eastern Washington.  At Ramsden & Lyons, our experience with real estate development, land use and planning, business, and construction law matters has positioned us to appreciate this and we are prepared to represent water right and water permit holders to assure their water rights and claims are properly adjudicated and protected.