671 



Representative Peter A. OeFazlo 



Page 3 



October 27, 1993 



during times when flows may be critical for salmon. For 

 instance, the flows in the Snake River from Milner Dam to 

 approximately the Oregon state line are supplied almost 

 exclusively by springs which discharge into the river from the 

 Snake Plain Aquifer. The Snake Plain Aquifer is a groundwater 

 storage reservoir which derives its water from natural recharge 

 (rainfall) and percolation of diverted water, primarily from 

 irrigation. Percolation from irrigation into the aquifer 

 approximately doubled the discharge to the Snake River during the 

 early part of this century. Efficient water systems 

 (conservation) and groundwater pun?)ing, coupled with some effects 

 of the long term drought, have recently caused significant 

 declines in spring flows to the Snake River. A committee has 

 been appointed to determine how to steUsilize the spring flows 

 which rely on recharge to the Snake Plain Aquifer. 



The effect of drought on flows of the Snake Plain Acjuifer 

 springs is much slower than the effect of drought on surface 

 water flows. The springs discharge an almost steady outflow. On 

 the other hand, the effect of drought on surface water systems is 

 more immediate. If irrigators divert less water but irrigate the 

 same number of acres, less water will percolate into the Snake 

 Plain Aquifer, and more water will be available for storage in 

 the reservoirs. In high water years, more water will be released 

 and perhaps wasted downstreaun. In low water years, more water 

 may be availaOsle for storage, but the steady flow from the 

 springs will have decreased, and may not discharge nearly as much 

 high quality, cold water to the Snake River. The flows from the 

 aquifer provide some minimum base flows, even during drought 

 periods. Conservation could actually result in less available 

 water during water- short years. Conservation is not the panacea 

 alleged by its advocates. 



Finally, Mr. Hardy's testimony discusses problems with 

 acquiring Idaho water for velocity enhancement, without 

 mentioning any necessary contribution by agricultural interests 

 in the states of Oregon and Washington. For example, the Owyhee 

 project, just across the border, stores a large volume of water, 

 but there is no mention of even any attempts at acquiring water 

 from the other states. As I mentioned before, each entity must 

 proportionally share the sacrifice. 



Sincerely, 



Director ^^\y 



