Magic Valley Water Call Delayed

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Department of Water Resources has delayed an order to shut off water to south-central Idaho groundwater pumpers.

The Times-News reports (http://bit.ly/1iCYc5w) that the curtailment set for Monday is now delayed so officials can review a second mitigation plan submitted by the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators.

Idaho Department of Water Resources' director Gary Spackman signed an order in January telling 2,300 water-rights holders they will have to shut down irrigation if they can't reach a compromise with Rangen Inc., a Hagerman-based fish farm and feed producer.

The company says its flow of spring water has dropped significantly.

Courts have ruled that removing groundwater reduces the flows from springs, violating the water rights of those with earlier claims.

State officials plan to schedule a hearing to consider the latest mitigation plan.