State lawmakers lent their support to a potentially historic request to transfer water from the Treasure Valley to Elmore County on the final day of public testimony.
The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that if the application is approved, Elmore County could draw water from Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork Boise River.
Opponents of the application are concerned what the impact to the river could be during low flow years, as the Treasure Valley receives about half of its water from Anderson Ranch Dam.
Proponents say Elmore County would only take during flood flows, but opponents argue that it has the potential to harm the Boise River, and that Boise needs to retain its natural resources.
Hearing officer Mathew Weaver says he anticipates the Department of Water Resources will announce a decision before the end of March 2019.
