Council approves irrigation agreement and Freeman Park water-conversion contract to reduce potable use

The Idaho Falls City Council on March 12 approved an agreement with New Sweden Irrigation District to allow new subdivisions to access a separate surface-irrigation system rather than city potable water where surface water rights exist.

Public works staff said the agreement is similar to a 2025 arrangement covering east-of-Snake-River properties and explained the conversion helps preserve potable water for future development. Staff said conversion for existing potable-water irrigators depends on landowners holding a surface-water right; each case would be evaluated with irrigation districts.

The council also awarded the Freeman Park service-water conversion contract to the lowest responsive bidder (Outback Landscape, Inc.) for an amount reported in the council motion and authorized mayoral and clerk signatures. The contract calls for work to begin before April 13 and to be completed within 130 calendar days. Staff said they will report expected water savings to council when measurable figures are available.

Council voted to approve both items after brief discussion about water-right constraints and construction timing.