A project developed by Idaho scientists that maps agricultural water usage from satellites has received national recognition.

The project developed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and University of Idaho was one of six winners of the Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. There were 700 entries nationwide this year.

The six award winners were announced Monday, Sept. 14, in Washington, D.C.

UI water resources engineer Rick Allen and satellite imaging experts Tony Morse and Bill Kramber with IDWR used thermal band data from NASA's Landsat satellite to measure evapotranspiration.

Evapotranspiration is the amount of water that evaporates from the soil, plus what transpires from the leaves of plants.

The award recognizes IDWR's efforts as the first agency in the U.S. to develop and use satellite imagery to monitor and enhance public understanding of water usage. More than 90 percent of Idaho's water is used for agricultural irrigation.

Allen's research at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center, near Twin Falls, underpinned the state's efforts.

"We know that every field has its own behavior, its own characteristics, its own rate of development," Allen said. "We are now able to pinpoint water consumption on a field-by-field basis, which has never been possible before."

-- Dave Wilkins

Online

Idaho Department of Water Resources: www.idwr.idaho.gov