Working Together for Idaho’s Water Future

Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) is a nonprofit organization comprised of 10 groundwater districts and one irrigation district that work together to protect one of Idaho’s most precious natural resources: the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Our members include farmers, businesses, and communities who rely on the aquifer and its tributaries every day to power Idaho’s economy. Each member district elects its own leadership and works on local solutions, while collaborating through IGWA on aquifer-wide and state-wide initiatives.
Click your district below to find contact information to sign up for a district.
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Map of districts in Idaho
Interested in becoming an IGWA member district?
Contact us to learn more.
Contact Us

Who We Are

Our Mission

We maximize sustainable use of Idaho’s groundwater resources and protect the rights of groundwater users by promoting smart policy, responsible stewardship, strategic water management and sound science.

Our Vision

To maximize the sustainable use of Idaho’s groundwater by protecting aquifer health and ensuring lasting value for the state’s economy, communities, and environment.

Our Core Values

Stewardship

We are committed to the sustainable management and responsible use of groundwater resources, ensuring their availability and quality for future generations.

Collaboration

We work in partnership with other stakeholders to develop balanced, equitable, and sustainable water solutions.

Integrity

We uphold transparency, accountability and ethical standards in every decision, communication and action, earning the trust of those we serve.

Innovation

We pursue creative, science-based strategies and adaptive solutions to achieve long-term groundwater sustainability and always seek options that preserve and strengthen Idaho’s water future.

Our Board Members

Each member district elects a representative to IGWA’s board. This ensures local voices guide our statewide strategy. Our board members bring deep knowledge from agriculture, hydrology, and water law.

Stephanie Mickelsen

Chair, Bonneville-Jefferson Ground Water District
sjwmick@gmail.com

Lynn Carlquist

Vice Chair, North Snake Ground Water District
carlquil@yahoo.com

Connie Christensen

Secretary, Bingham Ground Water District
conniec@binghamgroundwater.com

Tim Deeg

American Falls Aberdeen Ground Water District
deegt@aol.com

Mike Telford

Big Lost River Ground Water District
telfordsunvalleyseed@gmail.com

Leta Hansen

Carey Valley Ground Water District
c.lhansen@yahoo.com

Jeff Raybould

Henry's Fork Ground Water District
jeff@raybouldbros.com

Kirk Jacobs

Jefferson Clark Ground Water District
kirk@silverkfarms.com

Tom Erikson

Madison Ground Water District
madisongwdidaho@gmail.com

Dean Stevenson

Magic Valley Ground Water District
desteve@pmt.org

Randy Brown

Southwest Irrigation District
rbsnowmobiles@gmail.com

Our Staff

IGWA is led by Executive Director Lara Herway. Herway’s background as a seasoned political consultant and former educator gives her a unique edge, blending grassroots strategy, fundraising expertise, and a deep commitment to community. She has managed and advised more than 50 campaigns with an 85% win rate, and as a lobbyist, successfully advocates for over 30 clients to advance meaningful legislation and initiatives. Herway is also an expert fundraiser, having raised over $15 million for capital infrastructure, local initiatives, and political campaigns. Before her career in politics, she was an elementary music teacher and middle school debate coach, experiences that shaped her understanding of the issues that matter most to families and communities. A fourth-generation Idahoan, she is the founder of Sunnybrook Strategies and a dedicated mother of five.

Our Efforts

IGWA provides a unified voice for groundwater users, working across the legal, policy, and technical arenas to protect groundwater rights, promote aquifer health, and find sustainable water solutions. Whether it’s negotiating a mitigation plan, advocating in legal proceedings, or shaping policy at the Idaho State Capitol, we’re here to serve the people who rely on Idaho’s groundwater. Our efforts include:
Advocacy & Legal Representation
We represent the interests of groundwater users in policy and legal proceedings, ensuring that laws and regulations consider the needs of those who depend on groundwater. From agency hearings before the Idaho Department of Water Resources to legislative sessions at the Idaho State Capitol, IGWA provides groundwater users with a powerful, informed voice.
Aquifer Protection & Management
We promote best practices and innovative projects to safeguard the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, such as recharge efforts and monitoring programs. Protecting aquifer health is at the heart of everything we do.
Conflict Resolution
We collaborate with surface water users and regulators to find science-based, win-win solutions to water conflicts. By negotiating agreements and mitigation plans, we help keep Idaho’s farmland in production and farmers out of court.
Education & Research
We share knowledge and data to inform sound decision-making and to increase public understanding of Idaho’s water resources.
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