Deschutes River Conservancy | Streamflow Restoration in Central Oregon

DEC 13 - Raise the Deschutes: Is the Drought Over?

Despite the nearly average precipitation last year, the drought persists. Learn how hydrology and geology affect these two rivers in completely different ways.
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DRC's IMPACT - Learn about our work in the Deschutes Basin

In these pages, you’ll learn about the projects, programs, and priorities that drive our mission forward. We share stats on our accomplishments and updates on our progress. And we acknowledge those who have contributed to the DRC’s success in various ways.
VIEW 2023 IMPACT REPORT
Save the Date: RiverFeast May 4th, 2024

RiverFeast is back for 2024. Join the DRC on May 4th for a celebration of our rivers. More details to come.
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RESTORING STREAMFLOW AND IMPROVING WATER QUALITY

IN THE DESCHUTES RIVER BASIN SINCE 1996

Learn about Water in the
Deschutes River Basin

Raise the Deschutes
Seminar Videos

Interactive Basin Map

INNOVATION
Fresh ideas to accelerate
conservation & restoration

COLLABORATION
Bringing diverse voices together
to solve complex water issues

FLOW RESTORATION
Restoring flows and improving
water quality for the benefit of all

WATER PLANNING
Ensuring water security basin-wide
for today and into the future

Top Stories

State awards $12.2 million for four Deschutes Basin water conservation, flow restoration projects

The Deschutes River Conservancy announced Wednesday the allocation of $12.2 million in grant funding from the Oregon Water Resources Department for four pivotal water conservation projects around Central Oregon's Deschutes Basin.

‘Forever chemicals’ in Bend’s water supply prompt city to join class action suit against 3M, DuPont

The city of Bend joined national class-action lawsuits against manufacturers 3M Co. and DuPont de Nemours after a small amount of forever chemicals was found in a well that supplies drinking water to Bend residents.

Collaborative Efforts in Focus: Deschutes Basin Hosts Joint Water Caucus for Insightful Water Management Tour

Discussions centered on how the state can aid regions in enhancing water management and the best ways for basins to collaborate with the state. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time to explore the Deschutes with us, and we eagerly anticipate our continued partnership!

More News

We’re lucky to have this beautiful river

but the systems that manage it were created 100 years ago, and now it’s suffering

Act Now to Save the Deschutes River

The Deschutes is a natural jewel in the heart of our community. But many of us are unaware that the river upstream of Bend is in big trouble. Its ecology is at a tipping point and showing steep declines in fish, wildlife and vegetation. We must act now before it is too late.

See more River Stories

The problems are fixable and we're all working together to conserve water and solve them

Basin Wide Planning

Planning for sustainable water management practices to support the river and other users into the future.
Find Out More About Basin Wide Planning
Water Rights Transfers

DRC's transfers program acquires and transfers water rights to be permanently protected instream.
Find out about Water Rights Transfers
Water Management

Sharing water to meet the modern needs of rivers, cities, and farms.
Find Out More About Water Management
Streamflow Restoration

The Deschutes Basin is over-allocated. We work cooperatively in the basin to restore flows in local streams.
Find out about streamflow restoration
Groundwater Mitigation

The DRC Groundwater Mitigation Bank creates temporary credits through instream leases.
Find out about Groundwater Mitigation

Everyone will win if we can fix this

The streamflow challenges currently facing the Deschutes Basin trace back more than 100 years. Settlers put the Basin's water to work pursuing a successful future for local agriculture but not considering the environmental impact. Today we know far more about the need to protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods. We're fortunate to be in a basin with enough water for all — provided it's properly managed. By rethinking and rebalancing how we use and share water, we can and will have enough water for fish, farms, and families.