Horrell tells KBND News researchers found a number of options to improve conservation, usage and river health, but they're not simple fixes, "We believe that we can move water to the upper basin in the wintertime, and in return, help North Unit with some issues with the Oregon Spotted Frog. But, law does not allow us to do that. Water law just doesn’t allow you to move conserved water up the river from COID. So, it’s complicated. But, we do know that it could work. Researchers also looked at agricultural demands and water district diversions." The study also looked at agricultural demands and water district diversions. "All of those were at such a high level that now it’s finding the right opportunities to implement these projects and taking it to the next step," says Horrell. "And, the next step is: does it work economically for the districts? Can you find enough money to do these large piping projects like we’ve got going on right now? Can you sustain that level of infrastructure to keep it going?"

 

The $1.5 million study is funded by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Oregon Water Resources Department. Horrell says the study is about 95% complete.

 

Three open house meetings are scheduled for next week, allowing the public to meet with study leaders and ask questions about the preliminary data, as well as offer feedback.