Groundwater survey: How should we use groundwater?
Who determines who can use groundwater across Oregon?
Across the state, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) uses a permitting system to decide how our groundwater is allocated.OWRD approves the who, what and where of groundwater use based on certain criteria and policies.
In recent months, OWRD has acknowledged that this permitting system must be modernized to move toward a more sustainable groundwater allocation policy– one that does not allow for the over-allocation, or over-use, to the detriment of domestic well owners, senior water users, and the overall health of the state’s aquifers.
We have long recognized that our groundwater and surface water are connected in the Deschutes Basin. Simply put, the amount of water we withdraw from the ground directly impacts surrounding rivers.
That’s why our region abides by the Deschutes Groundwater Mitigation Program, where new groundwater permits must mitigate groundwater use by placing an equivalent amount of water back instream.
A groundwater plan falls short
OWRD, June 2021. Click on image for larger view
Even with that program in place, recent OWRD reports, confirmed by the stories we hear in our community, show that existing wells are running dry, and groundwater levels in several test wells are declining. The map compiled by OWRD shows the Deschutes Basin as bright red, meaning it is rated an “area of concern” for groundwater sustainability.
However, areas of concern have seen an approval rate of ~80% for new groundwater application permits statewide.
It’s clear: we need modernized sustainable permitting rules.
OWRD, June 2021
The geology of our region is unique, and USGS and OWRD studies have shown that a large aquifer rests below the Deschutes Basin. But this does not mean the aquifer is easy to access. As the chart to the right shows, OWRD test wells east of the Sisters Fault Zone have shown a steady decline in the years where data was collected. We’ve seen this phenomenon play out as domestic and working land wells alike go dry.
OWRD recognizes there is an issue with the over-allocation of groundwater resources. Right now, they are seeking our input on how to move forward and shape a groundwater permitting system that supports the quality of our aquifers while also serving the senior water rights holders and current domestic well uses in each basin.
OWRD has opened a survey to start collecting our ideas; LandWatch asks you to join us in responding to the survey.
Here are some key messages to Share
We support OWRD in its decision to not issue new groundwater permits until overall water availability is determined: If OWRD does not have the data to determine if an aquifer can support a new groundwater use, the application should be denied.
We strongly support a modernized groundwater permitting system that takes into account the cumulative impacts of each new groundwater use; We ask that OWRD look at the following information to assess cumulative impacts:
The number of wells already located in the area, and how they are impacting the aquifer and surface water
Conduct research on nearby well water levels to see if water is in decline
Use modeling to assess how climate change and drought will impact the area over the long term
Use available data to show the new user's impact on prior uses and surface water over the long term
We ask that OWRD create a definition for a “reasonably stable” groundwater aquifer that is specific to the hydrology of the area.
We ask that OWRD include exempt wells in its new permit issuance rules and re-establish a monitoring program for these wells.
Thanks for taking action for groundwater use in Central Oregon
Now is a unique time to have your voice heard in this vital process of groundwater allocation across the state and in our region. We look forward to working with you and OWRD to help shape a responsible and user-friendly system that keeps our water resources sustainable for years to come.