Central Oregon irrigation districts started to curtail water
7/18/2023 4:07:43 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Crook County, OR
Deschutes County, OR
Jefferson County, OR
Start Date: 7/18/2023
- End Date: 12/31/2023
Warm, dry weather has led Central Oregon irrigation districts to start water curtailments in July as the natural flow in the Deschutes River dwindled. Limited water for agriculture will further stress farmers who have already endured several years of low water allotments due to drought and environmental regulations. Although snowpack was ample from the winter, very dry soil has absorbed some of the water, leaving less in the Deschutes River.
The Central Oregon Irrigation District began curtailing flows last week.
Arnold Irrigation District expected to be out of water this month and will shut off delivery to patrons by around July 28, compared to July 23 last year.
Tumalo Irrigation District planned to shut off its water to patrons on Sept. 8, which is significantly earlier than in previous years.
North Unit Irrigation District planned to supply water until the end of the irrigation season in mid-October but was delivering half of the usual amount of water.
Capital Press (Salem, Ore.), July 18, 2023
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