Central Oregon water-sharing program extended after bumpy start
A highly anticipated program designed to ease water shortages for Central Oregon farmers will continue for a second year. The Deschutes River Conservancy, Central Oregon Irrigation District and North Unit Irrigation District announced last week that they will extend their water bank pilot project, despite the challenges they faced in the program’s inaugural year. Organizers say the water bank could eventually include other irrigation districts in the Deschutes Basin. If successful, the program could become a model for other parts of the state struggling with water shortages.