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Water Law

Water Rights Lawyers in Idaho

Water is the life blood of Idaho’s economy, and our veteran water law attorneys are experts in the field. We have decades of experience representing cities, corporations, canal companies, groundwater districts, farmers, lenders, and developers from Treasure Valley to Teton Valley in all types of water right matters—from sales and acquisitions to changes in use, mitigation plans, real estate developments, mining, and hydroelectric projects. From this experience we have developed an understanding of hydrology, computer models, and the history and operation of Idaho’s waterways and aquifers that enables us to provide cost-effective solutions to the most difficult water right challenges.

Meet a few of Our Clients
  • Idaho Ground Water Appropriators
  • Aberdeen-Springfield Canal Company
  • North Snake Ground Water District
  • Magic Valley Ground Water District
  • Aberdeen-American Falls Ground Water District
  • Bingham Ground Water District
  • Bonneville-Jefferson Ground Water District
  • Portneuf-Marsh Valley Canal Company
  • Bear River Water Users Association
  • Last Chance Canal Company
  • Cub River Irrigation Company
  • Preston-Montpelier Irrigation Company
  • Fish Haven Pipeline Company
  • Georgetown Irrigation Company
  • Gentile Valley Irrigation Company
Our Experience

Racine Olson has been engaged in Idaho water law for nearly four decades, representing some of Idaho’s largest water users in administrative, judicial, and legislative proceedings. Our experience includes:

  • Protecting groundwater rights that irrigate nearly 1 million acres of farm land as well as municipal, dairy, commercial and industrial water rights on the Snake River Plain from being shut off from water delivery calls by senior-priority surface water rights.
  • Brokering a monumental settlement agreement between surface and ground water users on the Snake River Plain.
  • Litigating the meaning of the historic Swan Falls Agreement and its implications for water administration in the Snake River Basin.
  • Protecting irrigation water rights in the Bear River basin and Bear Lake, establishing the Bear River Ground Water Management area, and negotiating water rights relating to PacifiCorp dams relative to the Bear River Compact, a congressionally approved interstate water compact between Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.
  • Advising numerous canal companies, ground water districts, irrigation districts and other irrigation entities.
  • Acquiring water rights for mining, industrial, and commercial businesses, and real estate developments.
  • Developing mitigation plans to enable the acquisition of new water rights and to protect junior water rights from being shut off.
  • Developing a pilot program to allow construction of ponds throughout the world-class Huntsman Springs development in Driggs, Idaho.
  • Developing a complex mitigation plan and securing water rights for a large mining project.
  • Reviewing and analyzing water rights for lenders secured by real estate with water rights and for individual parties to real estate transactions.
  • Representing numerous water users in the Snake River Basin Adjudication.
  • Condemning easements for water delivery systems.
  • Frequent presentations to the Idaho Water Users Association, attorneys, and other professionals on water right issues.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
"When it comes to our business work, we trust Racine Olson.” Premier Technology Inc.
★★★★★
“Randy has been our family’s attorney for many years. I’ve not only retained Randy to help with our family business, but I’ve used Randy and his firm in more than one complicated issues. I’ve never been disappointed.” Shawn - Previous Client
★★★★★
"Pat George, well there is so much I can say…. EXCELLENT lawyer! He leaves no stones unturned. If you are in need of an excellent Lawyer I would highly recommend Pat George. He turned a life threatening accident into a life changing event.” Personal Injury Client
★★★★★
"The attorneys here are just fantastic my dad and I are big fans…they are the best in Pocatello. I have lived in Poky my whole life” Previous Client
★★★★★
“I had been to many other law firms concerning my case. They were willing and able to help me out and I feel confident that they will do what is best for me.” Previous Client
★★★★★
"Fred Lewis is very knowledgeable, courteous, and efficient in explaining everything you need to know to help you win your case. He truly cares about you as a person and is on your side." Workers' Compensation Client
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