a river flowing through a rocky canyon
Our mission is to

Restore Streamflow and Improve Water Quality in the Deschutes Basin

For generations, rivers have been over-allocated.
Smarter water management today means healthier rivers tomorrow.

Water Transactions

Annual Water Leasing and Permanent Water Rights Transfer programs restore flows while the Mitigation Bank helps balance water demands.

Irrigation Modernization

86% of the water in the basin is used for irrigation. Conservation opportunity lies in piping leaking canals and increasing efficiency in on-farm water use.

Ecosystem

Collaborative Planning

We convene basin stakeholders to create consensus-driven plans that balance water use and restore river systems for the benefit of all.

Conservation in Action

Restoring Our Rivers

The Deschutes River Conservancy is dedicated to restoring streamflow and improving water quality in the Deschutes River Basin through collaborative programs and partnerships. Since 1996, we have successfully restored up to 350 CFS of flow in the basin, equivalent to over 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour.

350

CFS of Flows Restored

Basin-wide, DRC and our partners have restored over 350 cubic feet per second to our rivers and streams.

100+

Miles of Canals Piped

Open canals lose up to half of their water diverted for irrigation, while piping conserves this water, keeping it instream.

375

Annual Water Transactions

Leasing unused water from irrigation patrons facilitates opportunities for voluntary market-based water exchange.

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