Court hears oral arguments over IID water rights

IMPERIAL COUNTY, (KYMA KECY), The fight for water rights continues in the case Michael Abatti v. Imperial Irrigation District.

The Fourth Appellate District Court of Appeal heard oral arguments today from attorneys through a live broadcast.

“The outcome of this case will shape the future of the Imperial Valley's water rights,” said Norma Sierra Galindo, IID board of directors president.

“It goes to the heart of IID's responsibility as trustee of the district's historic water rights, and to whom it is owed: private interests or the public," said Galindo.

The fight about water rights has been a continuous battle since the Imperial Irrigation District’s adoption and revision of the Equitable Distribution Plan.

The EDP allows IID to manage and distribute the Imperial Valley’s water supply from the Colorado River among agriculture and industrial users.

It’s a document local farmer and former IID member Michael Abatti isn't in agreement with, claiming agricultural landowners own the water rights held by IID.

Abbatti’s attorney arguing Friday that upholding the EDP would limit the water use of local farmers.

“Agricultural use is the second-highest use of water. It shouldn't be after fish farms, and it shouldn't be after dairy farms, and it shouldn't be after industrial users who are coming to the valley to set up geothermal companies," said Cheryl Orr, Abati's attorney.

The IID says it has a duty to protect the public's interest of all of its water users and that the outcome of this case could affect its ability to provide reliable water supplies to all of its customers in the future.

The appellate court is expected to make a decision in the next 90 days.