HAGERMAN - Time is running out on a water program meant to prevent widespread curtailment of junior-right groundwater pumpers and free up water for senior-right holders.

Spring users in the Thousand Springs Reach have until May 1 to decide whether to forfeit their water rights to the state in exchange for money.

But with only four weeks left to sign up, just three spring users have expressed interest in the plan, and that has water officials worried a future water call could result in widespread curtailment of junior pumpers and lead to economic disaster.

"Sure, it's disappointing," said Hal Anderson, a senior administrator with the Idaho Department of Water Resources. "But we only need one or two good ones to make the difference."

Anderson said a few prime water rights could be enough to save the program, and he said the department hopes for eleventh-hour signups.

The IDWR says the buyout program is meant to prevent spring users from making a water call - a request by a water user that asks the IDWR director to curtail less-senior rights to fulfill more senior rights. Extra water from the buyout also could be used to fulfill other senior rights.

The plan allows spring users to forfeit their water right to the state or subordinate their right for cash, which means they can still use water but lose their ability to make a water call when supplies are short.

As is usually the case with Idaho water, there simply isn't enough to go around. Data show a significant decline in water levels over the past several decades, namely in the Thousand Springs Reach near Hagerman. Many blame decadesof unregulated pumping andmore sprinkler-based irrigation forthe decline.

But if pumpers are forced to close their wells, the IDWR says economic disaster will fall on Magic Valley's agriculture industry.

Those concerns prompted the 2006 Legislature to give $5 million to the board for programs such as the buyout. The Water Resource Board asked this year's Legislature for another $10 million, but that money is yet to be allocated.

Anderson said he didn't know what will happen if the board doesn't get the signups it needs or what will become of the money.

Each spring user in the buyout will negotiate the terms of his contract with the board based on source of the water right, point of diversion, priority date of the right, offered price, usefulness in resolving conflicts created by water calls, ease of administration and environmental and economic effects.

Interested spring users may sign up by calling IDWR at (208) 287-4800 or by accessing a form at http://www.idwr.idaho.gov.

Times-News staff writer Matt Christensen covers the environment. He welcomes comments at 735-3243 and at matt.christensen@lee.net.