Blackfoot implements water restrictions amid drought worries
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BLACKFOOT — Just weeks into his term, Mayor Scott Stufflebeam raised concerns about impacts to local agriculture, warning that low snowpack and an uncertain water outlook could lead to city water restrictions this summer.
Following a dry March, record warmth, early snowmelt and low snowpack, Mayor Scott Stufflebeam issued a water conservation proclamation during the April City Council meeting, effective May 1 through Oct. 1 for all residents and businesses connected to the municipal water system.
Stufflebeam emphasized the severity of the drought, saying, “The largest canal in east Idaho has warned its stockholders that they may not have water after early August.”
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Watering schedule
As part of the restrictions, the city established a lawn watering schedule designed to align with most automatic sprinkler systems:
Odd-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Even-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Sundays: No watering
Hand watering of shrubs and trees should follow the same schedule.
“The city staff will take all necessary steps to notify the public of these restrictions,” Stufflebeam said, adding that violators will be warned once and repeat occurrences will result in fines and penalties.
The city has also adjusted irrigation schedules for parks and other public spaces to conserve water.
Stufflebeam urged residents to use discretion with other outdoor water use, such as washing vehicles, and discouraged watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. due to increased evaporation.
Jensen Grove to remain dry
The drought is, not surprisingly, also impacting Jensen Grove, a popular community recreation area that will not be filled this summer.
After water briefly began flowing back into the lake this spring giving residents hope, a state-ordered curtailment halted the process. According to Stufflebeam, the city was notified by the Snake River Valley Irrigation District that water rights are being restricted based on priority dates.
RELATED: Fact or Folklore: Is Jensen Grove Lake on top of a dump?
Stufflebeam said the decision comes down to Idaho’s water rights system, which prioritizes older claims during shortages. Because Blackfoot’s water rights date to 1900, they are considered “junior” to rights established before 1898.
“That means in a drought year, the city’s water can be curtailed preventing it from filling Jensen Grove which came earlier than expected this year,” he said.
The mayor said the city remains committed to responsible water use and is asking residents to do their part as conditions evolve.
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