TITLE 42

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE — WATER RIGHTS AND RECLAMATION

CHAPTER 13

LATERAL DITCH WATER USERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

42-1303.  LATERAL MANAGER — duties — ALTERNATE METHODS OF ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT. (1) The lateral manager shall ascertain and ensure that the amount of water that each water user is entitled to receive is properly apportioned and distributed for the succeeding irrigation season.

(2)  Should a lateral water users’ association fail to elect a lateral manager or fix such manager’s compensation at its annual meeting:

(a)  The association’s board of directors may elect a lateral manager and set such manager’s compensation; or

(b)  The association’s water users may select and appoint a lateral manager by a written document that designates the manager, sets the compensation, and is signed by a majority of water users from the association.

(3)  Any lateral manager elected or appointed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section or section 42-1302, Idaho Code, shall:

(a)  Have documentation of their election or appointment recorded with:

(i)   The manager, superintendent, or board of directors of the water delivery organization that delivers water to the lateral’s delivery point or points; or

(ii)  The watermaster of the state water district appointed pursuant to section 42-605, Idaho Code, who delivers water to the point or points of diversion from a natural water source; and

(b)  Be treated as the lateral manager by the water delivery organization for the succeeding irrigation season unless such organization is notified by the lateral water users’ association that a new lateral manager has been elected or appointed.

(4)  Any water delivery organization delivering water to a lateral delivery point or points may, upon providing reasonable notice, refuse delivery of water for failure of the water users to appoint or select a lateral manager pursuant to this section or section 42-1302, Idaho Code.

History:

[42-1303, added 2026, ch. 112, sec. 16, p. 571.]