"Dismal water supply for irrigation"
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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Klamath Water Users Association held a public meeting on Thursday to discuss the lack of water supply looming against basin farmers and ranchers. Representatives from KWUA, Oregon Water Resources Department, Drought Response Agency, and the federal government were all present and answered questions.
“We are looking at a dismal water supply for irrigation this season, said Paul Simmons Executive Director KWUA. “We are doing everything we can to minimize and mitigate the potential impacts to farmers and ranchers.”
Water from the Klamath Project comes from Upper Klamath Lake and it’s tributaries which are fed by mountain snow and rain. Snow pack is meager at 61% of normal. Coupled with the lack of snow, and the addition of downstream water allocations, deliveries for the Klamath Project could be limited.
“2020 could be the second-worst water year on record for the Klamath Project,” said Simmons.
Governor Kate Brown issued a drought declaration for Klamath County on March 2, a full two weeks before spring.
According to Tricia Hill, KWUA President, the meeting was to educate and inform producers as to what the current situation is so that they can plan accordingly.
“We wanted to give producers the best information possible so that they can make decisions their farm will need this season,” said Hill.
Presentation Slides
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