15 



during peak demand periods. 



Idaho is trying to tackle this interrelationship of surface and groundwater 

 through recently proposed rule-making on the conjunctive use of ground and surface 

 water. 



Then there are the myriad legal issues associated with changing the timing of 

 stream flows and diversions. Impacts to junior water rights and other third party 

 impacts will have to be addressed. 



As you can see, there are many complex issues that must be dealt with in order 

 to determine what role water conservation has in salmon recovery. Idaho is leading 

 the way in the effort and is encouraging Oregon and Washington to undertake similar 

 reviews of their water management practices. Except in few isolated stream reaches 

 where more efficient use could meaningfully restore habitat, the bottom line is that 

 there is insufficient water to satisfy the flow needs recommended by the region's 

 fishery agencies and tribes for salmon migration through the federal hydrosystem. 

 BPA NEEDS OVERSIGHT 



The region needs Congressional oversight to spur action before it's too late for 

 the salmon. Idaho seeks timely implementation of the Power Council's Strategy for 

 Salmon . 



We also request this Committee consider continuing oversight of the federal 

 agencies in order to make sure that progress is being made. 



In addition, the council can and must do more ~ and is beginning to do more - 

 to encourage, cajole or compel BPA, the Corps and the Bureau of Reclamation to 

 implement its program. 



Idaho supports the council's recent steps to push quicker implementation -- 

 asking for Congressional directives for progress reports, intervening in the Federal 

 Energy Regulatory Commission review of BPA's rate increase, and making direct 

 inquiry of Bonneville's funding plans for the Fish and Wildlife Program. Without 

 prodding like this, there will be no timely completion of actions in the Strategy for 

 Salmon , and federal agencies will push the accelerator on the actions they like, and 

 apply the brakes on the measures they do not care for. 



