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OREGON WATER SCIENCE CENTER |
Deschutes Basin Ground-Water Study |
In Cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department; the Cities of Bend, Redmond, and Sisters; Deschutes and Jefferson Counties; and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon |
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The upper Deschutes Basin is among the fastest growing regions in Oregon. The rapid population growth has been accompanied by increased demand for water. Surface streams, however, have been administratively closed to additional appropriation for many years, and surface water is not generally available to support new development. Consequently, ground water is being relied upon to satisfy the growth in water demand. |
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The growing reliance on ground water, and the increased development of the resource, has raised concerns among basin residents, water users, and natural resource agencies. The most common questions pertain to the capacity of the resource to accommodate increased use and the potential for ground-water pumping to diminish streamflow. A secondary concern is the possible consequence of lining irrigation canals to reduce their substantial leakage. Reducing canal leakage could result in the lowering of the water table in certain areas. |
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The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study of the ground-water system of the upper Deschutes Basin to develop a quantitative understanding of the regional hydrology and provide tools to allow resource managers and basin residents to evaluate the possible effects of various development scenarios. The study was conducted in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department; the Cities of Bend, Redmond, and Sisters; Deschutes and Jefferson Counties; and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The study resulted in five USGS publications as well as several abstracts and other miscellaneous publications.Go back to site navigation barGo to external links |
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