University of Idaho Tracks 35 Years of Idaho Water Perceptions

Survey shows Idahoans value water resources and are willing to take voluntary actions to protect them

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 35-year survey conducted by the University of Idaho has found that the typical Idahoan values the state's water supply and is willing to voluntarily take steps to protect and conserve it, despite a general dislike for governmental regulations. The survey, led by Professor Robert Mahler, has tracked public sentiments about Idaho's water resources since 1988 and shows a dramatic increase in the percentage of Idahoans who would take voluntary actions to protect water quality, rising from 26% in 1988 to over 80% in 2023.

Why it matters

The survey provides crucial insights into how Idahoans perceive and value their state's water resources, which can help guide water policy and educational programs. As Idaho's population grows, understanding public attitudes towards water quantity, quality, and conservation is important for ensuring the state's long-term water security.

The details

The survey found that respondents consistently identified soil and water as Idaho's most important natural resources. While over 90% of participants considered their drinking water safe from 1988-2007, that confidence has declined in recent years, which Mahler attributes to concerns about population growth and increased marketing of water filtration products. The survey also showed a dramatic increase in the percentage of Idahoans willing to take voluntary actions to protect water quality, such as reducing fertilizer use, properly disposing of hazardous waste, and servicing septic tanks. Additionally, Idahoans have become more concerned about water quantity and mountain snowpack levels, while the importance of water for irrigation has declined.

  • The survey was launched in 1988 and conducted every four or five years through 2023.
  • The survey found that over 90% of participants considered their drinking water safe from 1988-2007, but that confidence has declined in more recent surveys from 2012-2023.

The players

Robert Mahler

A professor with the University of Idaho's Department of Soil and Water Systems who has conducted the water perception surveys since 1988.

University of Idaho

The institution that has hosted the water perception survey for the past 35 years and used the findings to guide water education and outreach programs.

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What they’re saying

“If we know the public is willing to make some changes to protect water, we can use those as best management practices. We can teach them in our Extension classes.”

— Robert Mahler, Professor (Idaho Business Review)

“Our legislators are interested in anything that improves the quality of our water in the state. They're not interested in regulating things more to do that, but they're interested in programs that give people the ability to take voluntary actions to improve and protect our water resources.”

— Robert Mahler, Professor (Idaho Business Review)

What’s next

The University of Idaho plans to continue the water perception survey after Mahler's retirement, using updated questions and an online format to save money. The continued dataset will provide crucial information for state lawmakers as they work to address water issues in Idaho.

The takeaway

The University of Idaho's 35-year survey on water perceptions in Idaho demonstrates that the state's residents value their water resources and are increasingly willing to take voluntary actions to protect them, even as confidence in drinking water quality has declined. This data can help guide water policy and educational programs to ensure Idaho's long-term water security.