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Mission Statement
The IGWA assists, promotes, encourages and supports the interests and welfare of the ground water industry within the State of Idaho. We foster aid and promote scientific education, standards, research and techniques in order to improve methods producing water in the interests of the public health in connection with the domestic and irrigation use of underground waters. We promote and encourage harmony and cooperation between its members and governmental agencies relative to ground water supply and sewage disposal in Idaho. Members are informed and advised on new and improved methods in the ground water, monitoring well and pump systems industry and to advance the mutual interests of those engaged therein, in their own and public welfare.
History
March 19, 1948 the Idaho Drillers Association, Inc. (which is one year older than the National Water Well Association) met for the first time. Fifty members voted for a Board of Directors which consisted of::
Three Year Terms: Allen E. Hosack, Jim Schoonover, Francis Veach, Charles Cope
Two Year Terms: J. Emmett Smith, Homer G. Young, Albert Bricker, Oliver Zinkgraff
One Year Terms: Jack Dir, Chris Volmer, M. L. Beath, J. G. Andrew
President Allen E. Hosack called the first convention to order July 9,
1948, at 1:00 p.m. in Idaho Falls, starting a tradition of education for
its members.
The Association forged close ties with the National Water Well Association which represented over 9,000 drillers in 1956. Over the years the Drillers Association changed its name to the Idaho Water Well Association. July 1976 marked the year of the 29th Annual Convention. More than 250 members attended the event in McCall, Idaho which featured a program that included a presentation by Sam Gaffin of the Barroid Company on Drilling Fluids, Ken Dunn of the Department of Water Resources gave comments relating to the Drilling Industry, Jerry Crosthwaite, USGS, presented “Up-to-date on Geothermal Drilling”. A panel consisting of Fred Christensen of Greybill Wholesale, Jim Loughrin of Amtol, and Bob Kitterman of Red Jacket conducted a discussion on “Trouble-shooting Domestic Pumps.” Another Panel Discussion on the New Safe Water Act consisted of Herb Clair of the Seattle Office of EPA, George Wagner of the State Department of Health, Tom Stevens (President of the National Water Well Association), and Bill Osborne (Director of the NWWA). The Johnson Screen Company presented a movie, “World of Water." An article highlighting Past President of the NWWA, Howard F. Andrew’s viewpoint of 34 years of change, talked about the major issue of the availability of reasonable, dependable insurance coverage. Through a cooperative effort between the insurance committees and insurance companies, Association members were eligible for a 50 percent reduction on their liability insurance.
Andrew noted how lobbying efforts at the state legislative
level, Andrew says that legislators would ask who and how many were being
represented. “When you can say that you represent a national drilling
association and its members, (legislators) are a lot more receptive to
you. That’s a lot better than saying, ‘Well, it just represents me,’” he
added.
Among the advancements was the Technical Division and the ability to address concerns that included protection for our water, how to develop more, get more production out of the zones of good water, and keep it separated from zones that are contaminated. The interest in developing wells, irrigation, municipal and large production wells has been part of member interest within the organization.
As history progressed, the organization changed its name October 2,
1972 and Idaho Water Well Association and finally, September 9, 1992, the
organization adopted its current name of Idaho Ground Water Association. The IGWA extends
this tradition as it continues to give a forum for
its members to share and exchange ideas. It helps members maintain an
awareness of regulations that the industry meets as it gets more technical
and legislative and regulatory agencies take actions to protect water
supplies. In addition, it promotes an atmosphere that allows members to
maintain the open-mindedness necessary to remain competitive in this
field.
We have included the first minutes created by the association and an excerpt of a letter from one of our members that shows how our expertise can benefit others worldwide. Our members represent a professional, community minded group of businesses that have an intense interest in the best and most current information available in the industry. The Idaho Ground Water Association has made the commitment to continue the work of keeping its members up-to-date and informed on the latest technologies and regulations, as well as, helping to create an environment that assists, promotes, encourages and supports the interests and welfare of the ground water industry within the State of Idaho.
Minutes of the Convention Meeting of the Idaho Drillers Association, Inc., July 9-10, 1948 - Twin Falls, Idaho
Contact IGWA at: IGWA | 55 SW 5th Ave, Suite 100 | Meridian, ID 83642
ph: 208-888-0988 | fx: 208-888-4586 | rbatt@spro.net