Dr. David Hoekema joins ETS to discuss the history of water rights in Idaho, and how changes in aquifer levels will impact water rights holders. Our western aquifer levels are declining, due to drought and the unexpected impact of more efficient agriculture---as our irrigation canals have become less leaky and our sprinklers more effective, less water spills out to recharge underground aquifers.  We must look to a future where junior water rights holders may have to rethink their water allocation as snow melts earlier and recharge is more challenging. Dr. Hoekema discusses how Idaho's cloud seeding technology and managed recharge may help us stay buoyant in a time of water scarcity. 

Dr. David Hoekema is a hydrologist for the Idaho Department of Water Resources. His work focuses on management of groundwater and surface water rights. He also serves as the coordinator for drought designation and suggestion to the authors of the United States Drought Monitor. He takes pride in pointing out unusual CFS when driving alongside Idaho rivers and reservoirs with his children.