Statistical Input to Water Policy Decisions

A review of data collection and interpretation efforts associated with the Swan Falls water rights controversy in Idaho is examined. Both consumptive and nonconsumptive water rights were involved in the dispute. To help quantify the dimensions of the problems facing policymakers, state funding was provided to collect accurate data and estimate minimum streamflows. Adjudication costs were financed by assessing fees to each category of water rights held by the nine different classes of rights holders.