SHOSHONE - Plans from the Idaho Department of Water Resources to curtail groundwater rights on May 14 could affect water supplies in a dozen Magic Valley communities.

Most towns north of the Snake River between Rupert and Hagerman are at risk. These communities hold junior groundwater rights that could be curbed by Dave Tuthill, director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

The order could keep residents in several towns from watering lawns and leave towns without enough water to irrigate public properties such as parks.

It's unclear whether towns could run out of drinking water.

"At least from visiting with (representatives from communities) earlier, most could get by with providing culinary water," said Lynn Tominaga, executive director of Idaho Ground Water Appropriators. "But some wouldn't be able to supply water for parks and things of that nature."

Shoshone and Wendell - towns with water rights less than 20 years old - could be hit hardest, Tominaga said.

In Shoshone, a community with three city wells, residents could be told not to water their lawns. One of the town's wells could be closed by the curtailment order.

"We'll probably have to cut back on things," said Mary Kay Bennett, city clerk and treasurer. "We might have to cut back on irrigating for domestic lawns."

Bennett said the town residents will have enough water to drink, but IDWR isn't sure if that's true for the other communities facing curtailment.

"The truth is that we don't know right now how each one will be affected," said Bob McLaughlin, a spokesman for the department.

The North Side Groundwater District has scheduled an informational meeting for affected communities for 7 p.m. Monday at the Jerome library, 100 First Ave. E.

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

Water meeting The North Side Groundwater District has scheduled an informational meeting for affected communities for 7 p.m. Monday at the Jerome library, 100 First Ave. E. In danger of drying out The following communities are subject to water curtailment on May 14: Carey Dietrich Gooding Hagerman Hazelton Heyburn Jerome Paul Richfield Rupert Shoshone Wendell