Deschutes Basin Board of Control 2025 Town Hall – Key Takeaways

Insights and Updates from Basin Water Leaders

Water management in the Deschutes Basin is evolving, shaped by climate, regulations, and collaboration. At this year’s Deschutes Basin Board of Control (DBBC) Town Hall, irrigation district managers, water experts, and legal counsel gathered to share updates on water availability, conservation projects, and policy changes affecting the basin’s future. Here’s a quick overview of what we heard.

Water Outlook: A Better Year Ahead

• After years of drought, 2025 brings a much-needed improvement in water conditions, thanks to strong precipitation and snowpack. Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has an optimistic yet still guarded outlook as we wait to see to what degree this improves natural streamflows in 2025.
• Reservoirs are filling better than they have in years, with Wickiup at 85% capacity—the highest since 2018.
• The Crooked River, however, continues to face potential flood risks due to higher than average snowpack and rapid snowmelt.

The Role of the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative (DBWC)

• Over 40 partners are working together to balance water use for farms, cities, and river health.
• The DBWC, facilitated by Scott Aycock (COIC) and co-led by the Deschutes River Conservancy and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, is critical in securing funding and coordinating projects that benefit the Deschutes River and water users.
• The DRC also provides key technical expertise in modernization, conservation, and instream flow restoration.

Piping & Modernization: Efficiency and Impact

• Ongoing irrigation modernization projects are reducing water loss and improving efficiency, particularly in COID, Arnold, Lone Pine, Swalley, and Tumalo irrigation districts.
• While piping helps conserve water, concerns were raised about its impact on groundwater levels and domestic wells.
• Studies indicate that up to 10% of groundwater recharge historically came from canal seepage. As canals are piped, groundwater levels are expected to reach a new equilibrium. However, some groundwater declines were already in motion before the start of piping projects.
• Wells located closer to the Cascades, where most groundwater recharge occurs, have shown fewer declines, while those further east are experiencing more significant impacts.
• Homeowners experiencing well issues can report dry wells and find information on the Oregon Water Resources Department’s (OWRD) website and seek financial assistance through a special OWRD Fund.
• Ongoing studies are assessing how to mitigate groundwater impacts and balance conservation with long-term water security.

Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) & Instream Flow Targets

• The HCP legally guides water management to protect endangered species like the Oregon spotted frog and steelhead while balancing irrigation needs.
• The next major milestone is in 2028, when winter flows from Wickiup will need to increase from 100 CFS to 300 CFS, requiring significant conservation efforts.
• Progress is being made toward this goal. Water conservation projects completed through winter 2024/2025, along with a new state-approved process (supported by DRC), are increasing winter flows and moving the basin toward 200 CFS and closer to the 300 CFS milestone. This process facilitates the transfer of conserved water from senior districts to North Unit Irrigation District (NUID), a junior district, ensuring that an equivalent volume is released from Wickiup Reservoir in winter.
• The new process appears to be on track to help meet the 300 CFS target by 2028, ensuring both compliance and improved instream flows.
• Conserved water from piping projects remains critical to achieving these obligations while maintaining irrigation water deliveries. A water marketing program in development with DRC and partners could also help meet target flows.

Funding & Federal Challenges

• Over $100 million has been invested in water conservation and efficiency projects, with another $80 million pending.
• Federal funding slowdowns are delaying some projects, but district managers are actively advocating for continued investment in basin-wide solutions.

Adapting Irrigation for the Future

• North Unit Irrigation District is launching a Surplus Water Program to improve water access for patrons when extra water is available, while not impacting their annual allotments.
• Incentive programs are available for small and large farms to invest in on-farm water efficiency through NRCS, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and the DRC.

DRC Perspective:

The Deschutes River is at the heart of this conversation. While irrigation modernization is essential, so is ensuring that water remains in the river to support fish, wildlife, and communities.

Collaboration is key. The challenges ahead—whether it’s meeting HCP flow targets, securing funding, or adapting to changing water conditions—will require ongoing cooperation between irrigation districts, conservation groups, and policy makers.

Staying informed is essential. Questions from the town hall will be answered and posted on irrigation district websites, and continued engagement is encouraged.

Looking ahead, the focus is clear: Secure, sustainable water for the Deschutes Basin—now and for the future.  

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