Walla Walla Basin Study

The confluence of the Touchet River with the Walla Walla River in Oregon, looking north. Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Columbia–Pacific Northwest Regional Office, the Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Department of Natural Resources, and Oregon Water Resources Department partnered to complete the Walla Walla Basin Study. This study will expand on the ongoing collaborative efforts outlined in the Walla Walla Water 2050 Strategic Plan and the Bi-State Flow Study between Oregon and Washington.

The Basin Study will:

  • Review the work already performed and assess whether all water supply-demand needs within the basin have been fully considered and how water from the Columbia River might be used to replace or reduce existing diversions in the basin.
  • Analyze water supply challenges and opportunities within the basin.
  • Review, modify, and/or develop alternatives to address water supply imbalances and improve water supply delivery and biological reliability within the basin.
  • Review and/or develop conceptualized facility plans, cost estimates and benefits of each alternative.
  • Discuss regulatory and intuitional frameworks or impediments that need to be addressed to successfully implement the agreed upon strategy.

Partners

Office of Columbia River - Washington State Department of Ecology

Water Resources Department - State of Oregon

DNR Mission Statement - Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation


Contact

Rebekah Triolo
Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region
Study Manager
208-378-5336
rtriolo@usbr.gov

Chris Duke
Columbia Cascades Area Office
Area Manager
509-573-8001
wduke@usbr.gov


Last Updated: 4/10/24