National Weather Service says farmers are in for a hot, dry summer as water users prepare for growing season

POCATELLO – While reservoirs are nearly filled to the brim, farmers could still be in for water woes this growing season.

The National Weather Service in Pocatello forecasts higher than average temperatures and below average precipitation for the months of June, July and August. This drives up demand for water filling eastern Idaho’s reservoirs.

It remains to be seen how quickly water will be used this year, but junior groundwater users would be obligated to deliver storage water to senior users if natural flow levels run too low.

“A hot and dry summer is more likely to lead to an obligation from the groundwater users to supply some storage water to the surface water coalition,” said Craig Chandler, the Idaho Department of Water Resources water master for District 1.

In its three month