Dear NUID patrons,

 

The NUID board of directors convened to discuss the current water situation and the outlook for the remainder of this year’s irrigation season.  There is genuine concern that at the present rate of demand, projections show a potential deficit, relative to current capacity in Wickiup Reservoir of approximately 4,850 acre-feet of water, if all water allotted this year is delivered.  

 

Should this be the case, a modest reduction of the current allotment from the Deschutes River may be necessary to ensure that flow requirements for the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) are met.  However, an option exists to call for up to 5,000 acre-feet of water to be released from Crain Prairie Reservoir into Wickiup Reservoir as a provision of the HCP to be split between North Unit, Arnold, and Lone Pine Irrigation Districts.  This option is only allowed twice during the first seven years of the implementation of the HCP.  As it was utilized in 2021, we only have one use left to utilize.  If exercised, it could significantly reduce the storage deficit currently forecasted.  This provision requires close coordination and consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Central Oregon, Arnold and Lone Pine Irrigation Districts.  The NUID board concluded with the decision to further engage the leadership of COID to discuss this option, causing no reduction of the current allotment at this time.  The NUID board will reconvene at the regularly scheduled meeting on August 11th, at the Jefferson County Annex, 66 SE D Street in Madras.  

 

Drought conditions and the severe lack of snow accumulation in the watershed of the Deschutes Basin this last winter have produced challenges to water management that are largely unprecedented.  We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate these difficult times.  As always, we will make you aware of any changes as they occur.

 

Sincerely,

 

Josh Bailey

General Manager