WATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets

Where does Central Oregon’s water come from—and how does it move through our landscape?

This Raise the Deschutes seminar will explore the basics of how water flows through Central Oregon, from precipitation and winter snowpack to rivers, groundwater, farms, and municipal systems. We’ll break down the differences between surface water and groundwater, why timing matters as much as volume, and how seasonal conditions shape water availability across the basin.

Designed as an accessible, big-picture overview, this conversation will provide shared context for understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon—now and into the future.

Speakers:

Lisa Seales, PhD., Senior Program Manager, Deschutes River Conservancy
Zach Freed, Director, Sustainable Water Program, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

ABOUT THE RAISE THE DESCHUTES SEMINAR SERIES

Deschutes River Conservancy's Raise the Deschutes Seminar Series was created to increase regional water knowledge, understanding of local issues, and awareness of available solutions. These seminars provide opportunities for the public to engage with water experts who will present on and answer questions regarding the primary water issues affecting the Deschutes River Basin and the programs in place to address these issues.

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