groundwater

From Spokane to Toppenish, it's fascinating to see how partnerships are transforming the way we think about conservation in our community.

With water running low and farms feeling the strain, Idaho's leaders are proposing a major investment in storage solutions.

County officials, cities, ports, economic development councils, agricultural associations, farmers, businesses and community institutions, have formally expressed their strong support for the EL 22.1 Surface Water Irrigation Project.  They are urging the Washington Legislature and Governor Bob Ferguson to approve nearly $45 million in infrastructure funding allocated in Senate Capital Budget Bill.

Last week, the Idaho state Senate passed Senate Bill 1083 A, moving the legislation to the House Resources Committee to possibly be considered this week.  The legislation looks to address declining groundwater levels in several areas of the state, which has cost water users and the state tens of millions of dollars.  Senate ...

Idaho lawmakers are considering reforms to the state’s domestic use exemption in Idaho water law.  The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Braden Jensen said Senate Bill 1083A, was developed by a water user workgroup, of which IFBF was a part.   “Curren...

If drought returns to Klamath County this year, farmers and growers shouldn’t expect assistance from the state.  The Oregon Water Resources Department recently announced if a drought emergency is declared, it is unlikely that Emergency Use Permits for groundwater will be issued.  Better known ...

On Tuesday, senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Oregon will receive $18.9 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address emerging contaminants.  The funds look to target issues like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water.   “...

Oregon projects aimed at increasing water efficiency will receive $198,668 in federal funding.  The grants, announced last week by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, will help the Arnold Irrigation District in Bend, the Van Brimmer Ditch Company in Klamath Falls, and the West Extension Irrigation District in Morrow County.   “Reli...

On Wednesday, the USDA announced a $281 million investment for 106 rural water and wastewater infrastructure projects nationwide.  That funding includes a $677,000 loan and $296,195 grant to the city of Mabton, WA for a new well. Ground water is currently pumped from two wells, delivered to an 800,000-gallon reservoir, treated by chlorination for disinfection and distributed to customers. The ..

As concerns about dwindling groundwater supplies continue to grow, one Central Washington irrigation district is looking at how to best ensure deliveries into the future.  The Selah-Moxee Irrigation District is conducting a study looking at surface water as a possible alternative to decreasing groundwater supplies.  Th...