Ground-Water Resources of the Wood River Valley, South-Central Idaho


Status: Active (Phase 1 completed, Phase 4 in progress)
Latest Progress Report

Big Wood River
Big Wood River above Sun Valley, Idaho
—November 18, 2004
Introduction

The Wood River Valley area is growing significantly: the current population of 20,000 is projected to increase to 50,000 by 2050.

This projected growth raises at least two questions. How sustainable are the ground-water resources in the area? How might rapid population growth affect surface-water features? Although several technical reports have addressed parts of the Wood River Valley, some of the area has not been studied. Consequently, a holistic understanding of the area's water resources is lacking.

Purpose and Scope

The objectives of this USGS study are to:

  • Provide county and local governments with data and interpretations about Wood River Valley water resources.
  • Recommend additional data collection or studies necessary to support decision-makers.

Proposed Work Plan

For detailed information about the study, read the Proposed Work Plan (.pdf 1 MB), which was presented at the December 14, 2005 public meeting.