Participant Benefits | Water Challenges | Opportunity | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Elmore Ada Water Project being funded?
There are currently 14 participants, including both public and private entities, in the study area that are funding the initial phase of the project. Combined, the study participants have committed a total of $1.2 million for the feasibility study.

Does the launch of a feasibility study have an impact on current property values in the project area?
The scope of the feasibility study is focused on water resource availability and potential delivery methods, so it's too early to know the answer to that question. As the study progresses, the participants will know much more about the potential for future land uses and whether there could be any implications on property values.

What happens after the feasibility study is complete?
Future phases of the Elmore-Ada Water Project will be dependent on the conclusions from the feasibility study. If feasible water resources are identified, the participants may decide to move forward with future project phases that could include a regional master plan, an environmental impact statement, and the design of water transmission facilities.

What is the incentive for landowners to participate in the Elmore Ada Water Project?
Participants in the Elmore-Ada Water Project will have exclusive access to and use of detailed information about water issues and solutions based on an independent study performed by technical experts. Project participants can use these feasibility study results for strategic planning and acquisitions without restriction, and influence future phases of the project, should the study's conclusions warrant additional steps. Additionally, sharing the costs of this technical study creates substantial savings for each participant involved, who would bear the full cost of approximately 1.2 million dollars if pursued individually.

Is the long-term goal to create a new regulated water company to deliver directly to consumers?
Again, the purpose of the feasibility study is to evaluate and research potential opportunities for a sustainable water resource and delivery methods to this area. Should the findings of the study warrant additional phases, project participants can choose to help shape any future structure or entity involving water delivery. Creating a regulated water company and delivering water directly to consumers is a highly unlikely scenario, regardless of study results and future phases. A more likely scenario would be for any subsequent entity to supply water as a wholesaler to water companies, depending upon the outcome of the feasibility study.

Will development be focused on homes and residential subdivisions?
A sustainable water supply will support existing landowners and enables the potential for economic growth through the expansion of current land uses, including industrial, agricultural and agricultural-dependent businesses as well as future residential and commercial needs.

If all goes as planned, when might a viable water supply be developed for this area?
In a best-case scenario, surface water could be delivered in approximately 10-12 years, possibly in combination with a near-term groundwater supply.

Will you be purchasing water rights from existing property owners?
The feasibility study will thoroughly examine a number of factors, including infrastructure needs, environmental impacts, growth projections, current water rights, and existing regulations and statutes involving Snake River water flows. Each of these elements will be researched to ultimately provide a recommendation about potential water resource opportunities for this area. One of the recommendations of the feasibility study may be the purchase of water rights, however it is too early in the process to determine whether this will be part of the final recommendation.

Why was this area selected for the feasibility study?
The land extending generally southeast of Boise to Mountain Home is an attractive area due to its proximity to Boise, access to I-84 and the Boise airport, topography, economic development opportunities and the ability to intelligently plan the entire area. Though this area is open desert where natural water recharge rates are low and the sustainable capacity of aquifers is highly uncertain, creating a consistent water supply would enable this area to support future economic development from current land uses, including the growth and expansion of industrial, agricultural and agricultural-dependant businesses, as well as residential and commercial opportunities.

Is this type of assessment new in determining the viability of an area for an additional water supply?
Projects of this nature are not new and have been done before. Numerous successful examples in the West include the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the Central Arizona Project, and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District. However, as each area is unique, the study will focus on potential solutions that are appropriate to Idaho.

Who manages the Elmore Ada Water Project?
Elmore Ada Water Project, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPF Water Engineering, a Boise-based engineering company specializing in water supply, water rights, and water facility design, construction and operations. The study will be completed by SPF Water subject to guidance from an Oversight Committee. The project Oversight Committee is comprised of two project participants, two SPF representatives and an independent member. Day-to-day operational aspects of the water feasibility study are managed by Elmore Ada Water Project, LLC Project Manager Bob Taunton.

Can other individuals or entities participate in the study?
Yes. The participants have decided to allow additional participants to join in the ongoing scoping and focusing of the project, subject to financial participation and other contractual matters. Interested individuals or entities should contact Bob Taunton via btaunton@eawaterproject.com or at (208) 401-5505.