Water diverted from both the East Fork Rock Creek and the South Fork Rock Creek is delivered each year by an elected watermaster. The protestants did not present any evidence or testimony to show that the department should not approve a permissible place of use. The applicant carries the burden of coming forward with evidence that the proposed change will not injure other water right holders, that it will not constitute an enlargement of the use and will be consistent with principles of conservation of the water of the state of Idaho. Both the applicant and the protestants have the responsibility of coming forward with evidence regarding matters of public interest of which they are each most cognizant. The applicant has the ultimate burden of persuasion for all of the criteria of Section 42-222, Idaho Code.
Idaho law requires water use to be reasonable and efficient.
The department also recognizes its responsibility to encourage efficient use of water. Rotation is one method by which water can be used more efficiently. The efficiency of the proposed continuous use by the person seeking to withdraw versus the loss of rotation efficiency to remaining users resulting from withdrawal. The monetary cost of modifying the internal systems of the remaining users. Evidence of any existing contracts between the parties to rotate water.