Water providers in the Upper Deschutes Basin are required to provide mitigation to offset groundwater pumping.
In 2002, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) adopted administrative rules requiring holders of new groundwater permits issued in the Upper Deschutes Basin, including the Crooked and Metolius River sub-basins, to provide mitigation to offset groundwater pumping. GSI has helped numerous water suppliers, as well as agricultural and commercial operations, to navigate the process of obtaining water rights under OWRD’s Deschutes Basin Groundwater Mitigation Program. Clients include the Cities of Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Sisters, Avion Water Company, and Roats Water System, Inc.
Under the Deschutes Basin Groundwater Mitigation Program municipal and quasi-municipal permit holders can incrementally provide the required mitigation as water demands grow. These permits require the permit holder to report the amount of groundwater pumped and mitigation assigned to the permit each year to OWRD to ensure the required offset is being provided.
GSI assists several permit holders in the Deschutes Basin with the preparation of the required annual incremental development reports that document groundwater pumping and the amount of mitigation obtained and assigned to the permit. GSI also assists with projecting water demands and future mitigation needs.