Idaho water experts say as far as they are concerned, recent comments by Southern California politicians aimed at grabbing Idaho water must be taken seriously.
"I think you have to be concerned every time someone makes an overtone that they are interested in your state's leading resource," said Twin Falls water lawyer John Rosholt."Whether it be rumors or politically motivated in Los Angeles, the realities are there," that Idaho water is cheaper than any other source water-starved Southern California could come up with, he said.
Rosholt and other state water experts were in Boise Monday for the first meeting of the state water defense team. It was assembled by Gov. Cecil Andrus after Southern California officials indicated they might make an attempt to obtain water from southern Idaho.
After a preliminary meeting Monday morning with Andrus, the water experts planned to discuss ways the state might come up with defenses against any attempt to divert Idaho water elsewhere.
"We have assembled some of the best legal experts in Idaho on the subject of water law," said Andrus. "I have asked them to work in conjunction with the Idaho Water Resource Board to take any and all action needed to ensure that Idaho retains sovereignty over our water."
Rosholt said that includes making certain that every drop of water is put to good use. Southern Idaho farmland is heavily irrigated, most of it from the Snake River.
"I think individually, at least, we need to pile uses on uses and rights on rights (water rights) so if anyone ever comes here with an intent to condemn our resource for a higher use, domestic against all the other uses we make, they have to pay so dearly for it that they can't afford to do it," he said.
State Rep. Reed Hansen, R-Idaho Falls, a farmer and former member of the state Water Resource Board, said there is no water to export.
"Frankly, upstream, the water is essentially appropriated. Down through Hells Canyon (on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon) the water is appropriated.