Why This Summer Matters
Groundwater management has never been more important in the Wood River Valley. Reduced water supplies and increased demand have brought renewed focus to how our shared aquifer is managed and protected.
Members of the Wood River Water Collaborative are partnering with local users and state agencies to meet current management obligations while empowering our community to take part in safeguarding our water supply.
Our Purpose
Because groundwater is hidden beneath our homes, businesses, and farmland, it can be easy to overlook. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness and inspire community-driven stewardship. Rather than focusing on restrictions, we aim to provide practical conservation steps that reduce overall demand and help preserve the resource we all depend on.
No matter who you are, we are all tapping into the same water source.
Simple Steps to Save Our Aquifer
Protecting the Wood River Valley’s water supply doesn’t require drastic changes—small adjustments to how we manage our outdoor spaces make a massive difference. Here are three simple, high-impact actions you can take today to keep more water in our shared aquifer:
1. Water During the Coolest Hours (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.)
Watering your lawn or garden during the hottest parts of the day means much of that water evaporates into the air before it ever reaches the roots.
- The fix: Set your automatic sprinklers or run your hoses overnight or early in the morning. This gives the soil time to absorb the moisture deep down where plant roots need it.
2. Stop Watering Unused Ground & Right-of-Ways
It takes a lot of groundwater to keep strips of dirt, sidewalks, driveways, or unutilized patches of land green—and often, those areas don’t serve a clear purpose.
- The fix: Cap sprinkler heads that spray onto pavement or empty ground. Take an honest look at your property and adjust your irrigation to focus only on the spaces you actively use and enjoy.
3. Trade Thirsty Turf for Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants
Traditional grass lawns require constant, heavy watering to survive hot summer spells. Native plants, on the other hand, evolved right here in Idaho and thrive on far less water once established.
- The fix: Swap out unused lawn areas with drought-resistant native perennials, shrubs, or attractive rockscapes. You’ll reduce your water demand, save money on your water bill, and create a beautiful landscape that supports local pollinators.
Did You Know? Up to 50% of outdoor water use is wasted through evaporation, runoff, or overwatering. Making these quick adjustments keeps millions of gallons in our aquifer every season.
FAQ
Why are people hearing more about groundwater this year?
Groundwater has always been essential to life in the Wood River Valley, but this year, water users across the region are being asked to take bigger steps to reduce overall usage.
We saw this as an important moment to step back and look at the big picture. The better our community understands where our water comes from and how the aquifer works, the better conversations we can have together about protecting it for generations to come.
Why are you launching this campaign?
One of the biggest challenges with groundwater is that it’s invisible. When you look at the Big Wood River, it’s easy to see how much water we have—or don’t have. An aquifer is different.
Even though it’s hidden beneath our feet, that underground water supply supports our homes, local businesses, family farms, public parks, and everyday lives. We created this campaign to help bridge that gap, making it easy for people to visualize and connect with the shared resource beneath them.
What does “What Lies Beneath” mean?
It’s all about making the invisible visible.
There is a vast, interconnected water system running right beneath the Wood River Valley that quiet plays a role in almost everything we do. The phrase “What Lies Beneath” is an invitation to pause and consider the hidden lifeblood of our valley, how it works, and why taking care of it matters so much.
Why should everyday residents and visitors care?
Because no matter who you are, we are all tapping into the exact same well.
Whether you’re irrigating crops, running a local business, watering your lawn, or simply pouring a glass of tap water in your kitchen, you are connected to this aquifer. Most people love the Wood River Valley and want to see it thrive. Understanding our local water supply is a key part of taking care of the place we call home.
