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Upper Deschutes River Basin Water Conservation Project 



Background 



The Upper Deschutes River Basin Water Conservation Project is a cooperative 

 effort of Reclamation, the Oregon Water Resources Department, and local 

 entities. Including the Arnold. Central Oregon. North Unit. Tumalo. Ochoco. 

 Squaw Creek, and Swalley Irrigation Districts. The overall study is designed 

 to Improve water use efficiency, to enhance and stabilize Deschutes River 

 flows for recreation and fish and wildlife, and to reduce irrigation shortages 

 during critical years. The past 6 years of below normal precipitation has 

 exacerbated the instream flow problem and highlighted the nature of irrigation 

 shortages. The study seeks ways to solve basin problems through conservation 

 and improved efficiency. Distribution efficiency and onfarm operating system 

 efficiency are being emphasized. 



Canal Lining Demonstration Pro.iect 



Central Oregon's unique volcanic geology contributes to high rates of water 

 loss in surface distribution systems. Canals in the area traverse fractured 

 basalt and other volcanic materials that are highly porous and vulnerable to 

 water seepage. Previous studies Indicated that canals along the Deschutes 

 River south of the Crooked River in central Oregon lose up to one-half the 

 diverted water before it reaches farm units. Water lost from the canal system 

 goes into the regional aquifer, which lies 700 to 900 feet below the surface 

 near Bend. Oregon. This water returns to the river near the confluence of the 

 Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. Canal seepage water is lost to beneficial use 

 in the reach between the diversion and the springs where the aquifer surfaces. 



As part of the Upper Deschutes River Basin Water Conservation Project, a 

 canal -lining demonstration project has been initiated on portions of the 

 Arnold and North Unit main canals. Construction on the demonstration project 

 began in the fall of 1991. Additional lining was placed in the spring and 

 fall of 1992. and the balance of the project is slated for the spring of 1993. 

 Five contractors representing 16 materials suppliers placed 17 different 

 combinations of lining materials. The installed length of demonstration 

 liners will total about 10.000 lineal feet. Project cost, including 

 monitoring and evaluation will total about $3.2 million. The cooperating 

 irrigation districts, contractors, and material suppliers are providing about 

 60 percent of this cost through in-kind services, equipment, and materials. 



Reclamation will monitor the project over a 10-year period. Installation 

 costs, effectiveness of controlling seepage, and costs for maintaining the 

 liners will be evaluated. Information generated from this demonstration 

 project will provide data needed to help develop a comprehensive water 

 conservation plan for the Deschutes River basin. The project will also 

 provide general information on canal lining costs and performance applicable 

 to other areas. Reclamation hopes that this demonstration will spark similar 

 studies and develop more effective and less costly methods for reducing canal 

 seepage losses throughout the West. 



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