Modernizing Irrigation in the Deschutes Basin: More Water for Rivers and Farms

For over a century, the Deschutes River has supported agriculture and communities throughout Central Oregon. Many of the irrigation systems built decades ago lose large amounts of water before it reaches the fields, which leaves stretches of our rivers without enough flow at various times of the year. For over 30 years, the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) has worked with irrigation districts, landowners, and agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to modernize how water is delivered and used, so more water can stay in the river. Together, these efforts have returned more than 265 cfs to the Deschutes River and its tributaries. Canal piping: The DRC partners with irrigation districts to replace sections of open, leaky canals with pipe. This reduces water lost to seepage and evaporation, so districts can divert less and keep more water instream. Canal piping projects account for approximately 140 cfs of that total. On-farm efficiency: The DRC helps landowners modernize private ditches and on-farm systems by installing pressurized pipe and upgrading to sprinkler or drip irrigation. These improvements can increase farm productivity, reduce labor and energy costs, and further reduce river diversions. The restored water supports steelhead, salmon, native trout, and Oregon spotted frogs, improves water quality, and benefits everyone who relies on healthy, flowing rivers. This film was produced by Konekti Films with support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners invest in their operations and communities to keep working lands working, strengthen rural economies, and improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and habitat. Partners featured in this work include North Unit, Three Sisters, Central Oregon, Ochoco, Lone Pine, Tumalo, Swalley, and Arnold Irrigation Districts, the Oregon Water Resources Department, Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, and Deschutes County. Learn more: www.deschutesriver.org