Malheur, Owyhee, Powder, Burnt River Water Storage Assessment Study

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“Water is the lifeblood of the American West and the foundation of its economy.”

Residents of the Powder Basin can attest to the truth of that statement, as water in their semi-arid climate is frequently in short supply. The Burnt River north and south forks were declared over-appropriated more than 60 years ago by the state engineer. The water supply does not meet the demand. In addition, there is not sufficient storage to capture spring runoff and provide for water needs during the summer months. These needs include maintaining adequate streamflow for aquatic species and wildlife, irrigation, and municipal uses. 

In January 2005, the Baker County Board of Commissioners established the Powder Basin Water and Stream Health Steering Committee (WASH) and charged them with exploring and determining the best use of water for the area, including improving stream health, examining potential water storage options, and investigating possibilities for mitigating spring flooding while improving late season instream flows. The organization requested assistance from Reclamation’s Snake River Area Office in Boise, Idaho. 

Meanwhile, the Burnt River Irrigation District, Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District, concerned citizens, and others were pursuing funding to study the potential for additional water storage. They partnered with Reclamation and received $15,000 in matching funds. When the Powder Basin WASH was formed, the Burnt River Irrigation District offered to include the Powder River subbasin in the partnership with Reclamation. It was also agreed that all stakeholders would make a commitment to the project. Therefore, all Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Water Control Districts were challenged to contribute $1,500 as an initial pledge toward pursuing potential water storage sites.

In 2007, Reclamation completed a literature review for the Powder River and Burnt River basins, as well as Pine Creek Reservoir. The literature review included existing dams and reservoirs (some of which could be enlarged) and potential sites for new storage facilities. They also researched the Powder River and Burnt River subbasins’ stream systems, water storage, and stream health as it pertains to the basins’ water science. 

In 2007 the WASH Committee was successful in securing another $148,000 of federal funding to pursue further investigations of water supply opportunities in the Powder, Burnt, and Pine Creek river basins. The goal is to identify three to five potential sites for further study. The study area includes the Powder River subbasin, Burnt River subbasin, and Pine Creek in the Brownlee Reservoir subbasin.

Last Update: August 13, 2008 10:35 AM