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River News - In The Media
Bend Bulletin: Environment, social justice groups withdraw support for governor’s key groundwater protection bill
Groups that helped champion one of Gov. Tina Kotek’s key groundwater protection bills this session are withdrawing their support and asking the Legislature to let it die for now, following a last-minute amendment they say effectively neutralizes the intent of the legislation.
Bend Bulletin Editorial: Allow a Deschutes Basin water bank
House Bill 3806 would establish a voluntary water bank pilot in the Deschutes Basin to improve water flexibility and access—particularly for junior water rights holders—while requiring annual oversight and reporting by the Deschutes River Conservancy.
Bend Bulletin: Bill in Oregon legislature offers hope for improved water distribution in Deschutes Basin
A bill designed to improve flows in the Deschutes River and increase water availability for junior water rights holders is making its way through the Oregon Legislature and could be passed this summer.
Bend Bulletin: Late season snow blankets Mount Bachelor, improves snowpack
A late-season snowstorm boosted Central Cascades snowpack, benefiting Mt. Bachelor and water supplies. With Wickiup Reservoir 85% full, farmers will receive more water than last year. While Oregon is drought-free for now, experts warn that a warm, dry spring could still raise wildfire risk and strain streamflows by summer.
Source Weekly: Deschutes River Cleanup opens on May 1st
A late-season snowstorm boosted Central Cascades snowpack, benefiting Mt. Bachelor and water supplies. With Wickiup Reservoir 85% full, farmers will receive more water than last year. While Oregon is drought-free for now, experts warn that a warm, dry spring could still raise wildfire risk and strain streamflows by summer.
Bend Bulletin: Arnold Irrigation District delays water delivery
Arnold Irrigation District has delayed water deliveries until May 31 due to weather-related construction setbacks on its canal piping project, though officials expect minimal impact thanks to strong snowpack and spring conditions. The $35 million project aims to extend irrigation seasons and conserve water as part of the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan.
Cascade Business News: New Solution to Better Allocate Water
To address chronic water scarcity and allocation challenges in the Deschutes Basin, local partners are developing a voluntary water bank to improve flexibility and river health—pending approval of Oregon HB 3806, which would launch the program as a state-backed pilot.
Bend Bulletin: Central Oregon starts irrigation season with high reservoirs
Thanks to strong snowpack and reservoir levels, North Unit Irrigation District farmers will see increased water allocations for the third year in a row—though still below historic averages—as gradual releases from Wickiup Reservoir begin to support both irrigation and wildlife habitat.
KTVZ21: Rep. Bynum, Senator Merkley introduce bill to continue federal funding for Deschutes River Conservancy
Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Janelle Bynum have introduced the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025, renewing the DRC’s eligibility for $2 million in annual federal funding to support water conservation and streamflow restoration across the Deschutes Basin.
OPB: A ‘good’ water year in Central Oregon comes with murky political forecast
A wet winter has brought short-term relief to Central Oregon irrigators, but uncertainty looms as federal funding delays stall key water conservation projects. As debates around the Endangered Species Act resurface, some in the region hope political shifts will reshape water policy in their favor.
Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Water bank is just what Deschutes Basin needs
House Bill 3806 proposes the creation of a voluntary water bank in the Deschutes Basin to facilitate water transfers between rights holders, providing flexibility amid increasing drought conditions. With strong support and built-in safeguards, the bill aims to help irrigation districts like North Unit manage water more effectively while preventing speculation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Source Weekly: Kotek and Conservation Groups Want DEQ to Address Deschutes River Water Quality
Governor Kotek and six conservation groups are calling on DEQ to revisit water quality standards and dam operations on the lower Deschutes River. They cite environmental concerns, while PGE and the Warm Springs Tribe maintain that current measures meet regulatory requirements.
Bend Bulletin: Guest column: Irrigation districts and landowners are working together to protect water
Despite challenges, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control reaffirms its commitment to the Deschutes Habitat Conservation Plan, highlighting ongoing progress through piping, water leasing, and collaborative conservation that has already secured over 150 cfs for streamflow restoration.
Redmond Spokesman: Delays loom for plan to increase Deschutes River winter flows
Delays in permitting canal piping projects may push back the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan’s goal of increasing winter flows in the Deschutes River to 300 cfs by 2028, raising concerns about meeting conservation targets and protecting threatened species.
Bend Bulletin: Redmond gets state OK to use more water
Redmond has secured enough water to support its growing population for at least 15 years by creatively reallocating winter water for summer use, rather than increasing its supply. While the city explores additional options like transferring a historic Deschutes River water right to groundwater, Mayor Ed Fitch emphasizes that long-term sustainability will require continued conservation and strategic planning.
Bend Bulletin: January was dry, but Central Oregon snowpack levels have rebounded
Central Oregon is on track for one of the best water years in recent memory, with reservoirs at their highest levels since 2018 and snowpack at 128% of normal. The region is now drought-free, bringing optimism for irrigation, healthier rivers, and a strong winter tourism season.
Cascade Business News: Deschutes County Voters Approve Measure #9-176, Advancing Local Conservation Efforts
Deschutes County voters have passed Measure #9-176, providing stable funding for the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District to expand conservation efforts, improve water and forest management, and enhance urban green spaces through a permanent tax rate with oversight by an elected Board of Directors.
Bend Bulletin: Protect Deschutes Basin groundwater (Guest Column)
Bobby Brunoe, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, emphasizes the sacred importance of water as the Creator’s first gift and calls for renewed collaboration, better science, and an integrated water policy to sustainably manage the Deschutes Basin’s shared resources for the benefit of all and future generations.
Bend Bulletin: Federal grant coming to Central Oregon for soil and water conservation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded a $509,992 grant to the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District to support agricultural projects in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, focusing on improving water efficiency, soil health, and wildlife habitat on 5,000 acres in the Deschutes Basin.
