The Deschutes River, one of the largest spring-fed waterways in the United States, flows through Central Oregon, sustaining the region’s agricultural heartland. However, the river’s health is under threat, with about 90% of its water diverted for irrigation between April and October. This diversion has significant implications for the environment, agriculture, and the communities that depend on the river.
The Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) holds the most substantial water rights, controlling more than half of the Deschutes’ volume. This dominance has far-reaching consequences, particularly during periods of drought. During the last drought, state water law compelled commercial farmers downstream to leave their land fallow while COID diverted four times the amount of water its landowners’ crops consumed.
The Power of the Central Oregon Irrigation District
COID’s influence is unparalleled among the six irrigation districts in Central Oregon. Its water rights are protected by state law, ensuring that its share of the river is preserved even in times of scarcity. This legal framework has led to a situation where COID’s landowners are encouraged to use water beneficially with more than 9 out of 10 acres dedicated to pasture or hay for livestock.
State legislators acknowledge that COID landowners are operating within the bounds of the law. However, the current system raises questions about sustainability and the future of water management in Central Oregon. State Rep. Ken Helm, a Democrat from Bend, has expressed concerns about the region’s transformation, noting that affluent individuals are moving in for lifestyle reasons rather than agricultural pursuits.
Solutions on the Horizon
Oregon has identified three primary solutions to address the water crisis: piping, sharing, and data management. Each approach presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Piping: A Costly but Necessary Upgrade
COID’s aging infrastructure, including open canals built 120 years ago, results in significant water loss through evaporation and seepage. Replacing these canals with pressurized pipes could save substantial amounts of water. However, the project is estimated to cost over $700 million and could take 50 years to complete. Despite these challenges, the district is moving forward with a $360 million plan to pipe a main artery serving over a thousand landowners between Bend and Redmond.
The piping project has garnered support from Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, who emphasizes the importance of preserving every drop of irrigation water. The initiative is also driven by the need to protect the habitat of a threatened species of frog, which has led to agreements to leave more water in the river over time.
Sharing: Incentives and Voluntary Participation
With demand outstripping supply, the Deschutes River Conservancy works with irrigation districts to encourage landowners to be more efficient or share water voluntarily. One program pays landowners to dry up land, allowing COID to leave more water in the river. However, the program’s effectiveness has plateaued, and participation is limited.
State lawmakers have created a pilot water bank program, allowing COID landowners to rent out excess water to farmers downstream without losing their water rights. Despite this innovative approach, the program has yet to gain traction, as the canal system’s functionality depends on maintaining sufficient water levels.
Data: The Key to Informed Decision-Making
COID does not measure or report the volume of water it delivers, a common practice across Oregon. However, policymakers and experts argue that accurate data is essential for addressing water shortages. The Legislature’s attempts to require meters on all individual farms and wells have faced fierce public backlash, with concerns about potential water rights confiscation or gallon-based charging.
State Rep. Mark Owens, a hay farmer from Eastern Oregon, has led efforts to invest in cutting-edge studies to track water use. Scientists have provided estimates of water consumption on every irrigated field in Oregon, but the data’s variables and complexity have hindered its practical application. Tight state budgets have further limited the sharing of this critical information with the public and decision-makers.
The future of Central Oregon’s water management hinges on balancing the needs of agriculture, residential development, and environmental preservation. As the region grapples with these challenges, innovative solutions and informed decision-making will be crucial in ensuring the sustainable use of the Deschutes River’s precious resources.
