CONDITIONS TO DECLARE A DROUGHT EMERGENCY
Boise City Code § 1-17-6
in effect1-17-6: CONDITIONS TO DECLARE A DROUGHT EMERGENCY:
Emergency conservation and water reduction measures shall be implemented in a phased approach, depending on dryness and drought conditions.
A. Due concerns shall be given to the factors that are relevant to the severity of a drought, including:
1. Worsening climate conditions;
2. Consecutive years of drought within Ada County;
3. Above normal temperatures;
4. Below normal precipitation; or
5. Any combination of the above factors.
B. Deteriorating water supply conditions, such as the following, are also relevant factors for consideration:
1. Unfilled Boise River storage capacity or early drop in storage levels;
2. Early drop in Boise River natural flow;
3. Early curtailments or shut off of irrigation deliveries as defined by the normal irrigation season;
4. Operational concerns for public drinking water systems such as:
a. Exceeding historical maximum diversions to meet increased demand;
b. Seeking additional, short-term water supplies to meet peak demand; or
c. Emergency conditions experienced as a result of drought-related accidents or natural disasters such as (i) distribution system failures, (ii) long-term power outages, or (iii) water quality exceedances at the water source or resulting from treatment failure; or
5. Any combination of the above factors.
C. In conjunction with the consideration of any relevant factors as listed above, the Mayor shall only issue an order commensurate with the present category of drought as indicated on the U.S. Drought Monitor, Drought Index for Ada County as follows:
1. Moderate Drought: In a moderate drought, the Mayor may issue an advisory or voluntary reduction order.
2. Severe or Extreme Drought: In a severe or extreme drought, the Mayor may issue up to a mandatory reduction order.
3. Exceptional Drought: In an exceptional drought, the Mayor may issue up to a mandatory cessation order. (Ord. 28-26, 6-30-2026)
Source: Boise City, Idaho, City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boise_id/latest/boise/0-0-0-89834Fetched: 11/1/2026