Improving Water Flexibility through Voluntary Water Banking

In the Deschutes Basin, water demands from agriculture, municipalities, and ecosystems often outpace supply, especially during drought conditions. The Deschutes Water Bank is a voluntary, market-based tool designed to improve water allocation efficiency, ensuring that water is available when and where it's needed most.

How the Water Bank Works

The Water Bank facilitates voluntary water transactions between willing participants:

• Agricultural Users: Can lease unused water rights during certain periods.
• Municipalities: May acquire additional water to meet growing demands.
• Environmental Interests: Support instream flows to enhance river health.

These transactions are structured to be transparent, equitable, and beneficial to all parties involved.