Lower Snake River Water Supply Replacement Study
Frequently Asked Questions
What information will this study provide and how will it be used
The study is one of the commitments made by the U.S. government as part of a mediated agreement with plaintiffs in litigation filed to challenge the environmental impact statement, biological opinions, and record of decision on Columbia River System operations. This study will provide information on alternatives and considerations for replacement of water supplies that could be affected by a potential breach of the lower Snake River dams, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information generated through the study will be used to inform any Congressional decision on dam breach and related impacts.
Why is the Bureau of Reclamation leading the study? What involvement does the State of Washington have?
The Department of the Interior, through Reclamation, committed to performing the study as part of the December 2024 mediated agreement on Columbia River System operations. While Reclamation does not operate the subject dams, it has wide experience on water supply issues in the Pacific Northwest.
The Washington Department of Ecology also received a mandate from the Washington legislature to study replacing water supplies potentially affected by dam breach. Reclamation and Ecology are teaming on a single effort that will meet both requirements.
How can the public and stakeholders have input or engage in the study?
Reclamation is conducting virtual public information sessions on the study in late June 2025. We will also hold in-person public information sessions in late 2024 or early 2025 upon completion of the draft report and will invite stakeholder review of the draft document. We appreciate any information that will inform the study. Any relevant information can be provided to Reclamation at LSRWSRScomments@usbr.gov.
When will the results be available and when will the study be finished?
The draft report will be available in late 2024, and the final will be available in mid-2025.
What data will the study rely on to determine needs and potential options for water supply replacements?
A variety of information is available to inform the study, including studies commissioned by Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, Senator Murray and Governor Inslee of Washington, Washington Department of Ecology; information prepared by federal agencies (Corps and Reclamation); public records (e.g., water rights databases), and information collected in the field by the consultant team. The consultant team will build on this and other available information for the study.
Who will decide what constitutes acceptable water supply replacement options?
This study will explore potential technical solutions for water supply replacement, as well as economic issues and issues during the transition from existing water supplies to potential new supplies. While it will address challenges and opportunities associated with the alternatives, the study will not take any final positions on particular solutions. Reclamation and Ecology will appreciate any input or considerations to make the study more robust.
What other studies are being performed to address dam breach impacts, and who is performing them?
Other related studies are being conducted by the Corps (recreation, transportation infrastructure) and Department of Energy (energy needs).
Contact
Michael Coffey
208-378-6231
bor-sha-lsrwsrscomments@usbr.gov
Bureau of Reclamation
Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region
1150 N Curtis Road
Boise, Idaho 83706-1234
