Droughts are a natural part of life in Central Oregon. Over the past 100 years, records show that the Deschutes Basin tends to experience a drought about once every ten years. These dry periods can affect people in different ways. Looking ahead, scientists expect droughts to become more frequent and more intense due to climate change. There’s also concern about losing snowpack in the mountains, which plays a big role in our water supply.

Here in Bend, we’re fortunate to have two main sources of water: surface water from the Bend Municipal Watershed and groundwater from the Deschutes Regional Aquifer. These sources, along with the City’s strong focus on water conservation, help ensure we can meet the needs of homes, businesses, and industries now and in the future.

Meeting Future Water Needs

Even though we’re using less water per capita thanks to conservation efforts, the City expects that more water will be needed over the next 20 years as our community grows. To prepare, the City has applied for a new groundwater right from the Oregon Department of Water Resources. Water System Planning is an ongoing body of work at the City.

It’s also important to know that not everyone in Bend gets water from the City. Some people get their water from private utilities like Avion or Roats, or from local irrigation districts. If you’re one of those customers, it’s a good idea to check with your provider about any drought-related updates.

No matter where your water comes from, we all share the responsibility to use it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information & Resources

• City of Bend Water System Overview and Map 
  This one-page summary describes the City of Bend’s water sources and includes an illustrated water system “map” showing the general layout of the water distribution system.
• Oregon Drought Conditions from the National Integrated Drought Information System.
  Provides regularly updated drought information, mapping, and water resources and supply information at the state and county level.
• Oregon Water Resources Department - Water Conditions Report
  The OWRD Water Conditions Report is updated weekly and includes a variety of statewide information related to the water conditions of each basin.
• Oregon Water Resources Department – Drought Watch
  The OWRD Drought Watch website contains statewide information relating to drought conditions, drought declarations, and other informational resources.
• US Bureau of Reclamation - Upper Deschutes Basin Study
  The USBR Upper Deschutes Basin Study focuses on how the Deschutes Basin will perform in the face of changing water demands and a changing climate.  The City of Bend is one of many water stakeholders involved in the study.
• US Geological Survey Groundwater Hydrology of the Upper Deschutes Basin
  This USGS study focuses on the groundwater hydrology of the Upper Deschutes Basin and how the potential impacts of groundwater use effects flows.   
• City of Bend WaterWiseTips.org
  The City offers a wide variety of water conservation information, resources, and programs to help customers use less water.  Water isn't the only thing you will save!
• Drought Resources for HOA's
  Legislation regarding HOA and CC&R watering rules during a drought declaration.
• Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative
  The Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative is a mechanism for stakeholders to collaborate on critical water allocation and management issues in the Deschutes Basin, and develop strategies to meet stream flow, ecological, agricultural, and community needs for water.