Group Wants to Divert Big Wood River Water for Wells

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — A company's proposal to divert water from a central Idaho river to recharge a local aquifer so its clients can use their wells during dry periods has drawn opposition from conservation groups, government agencies and utilities on concerns the project could hurt fish and create water conflicts.

The Idaho Mountain Express reported Wednesday David Tuthill, a partner at Idaho Water Engineering and ex-director of the state's water department, aims to divert water from the Big Wood River during high flows. He's assembling a group of people who get water from wells in the region to support the project.

They would be able to continue to pump from wells in times of low water. Foes include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Power and Trout Unlimited. Fish and Game is worried about fish habitat.