The Fix
Restoring Cold, Clean Water to the Lower Deschutes River
The Fix is Simple
Release the maximum amount of clean, cold water from the depths of Lake Billy Chinook except during spring, when juvenile fish are migrating through the reservoir.
Why This Will Work
Our data shows that when water from the bottom of the reservoir is released into the lower Deschutes, water quality standards quickly come into compliance. Graphs below depict pH coming into compliance in each of the past three years for which data is available:
What’s Happening Now?
Rather than cold, clean water from the bottom of the reservoir, since 2009, water from the surface has been released into the lower river for most of the year. This warmer, nutrient-rich surface water is the culprit behind warmer temperatures and declining water quality in the lower Deschutes River.
What Happened in 2009?
Portland General Electric owns and operates three dams on the Deschutes River. Fish passage above these dams had long been ignored, and getting a new federal license to run the dams meant doing something about it. So PGE designed and built a Selective Water Withdrawal Tower. The Tower was supposed to help with the reintroduction of salmon and steelhead. It was also supposed to improve water quality. Neither of these goals has been met–and water quality is worse, not better.
How Has The River Changed?
The DRA has recorded thousands of violations of state water quality standards since 2009. Poorer water quality has created conditions harmful to fish and other aquatic life.
How Do We Make The Fix Happen?
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has the power to hold PGE accountable. The DRA, its thousands of supporters and its coalition partners have launched a campaign to let DEQ know: it's time to implement the fix. Please join us.
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How to Support the DRA
Everyone wants clean, healthy water in the Deschutes River. Oregonians cherish our clean and healthy waterways to provide drinking water, wildlife habitat and recreational activities. The lower Deschutes River is a federally designated Wild & Scenic River, and a national treasure. It must be protected for the environmental and economic health of Central Oregon. We believe by working together we can return the lower Deschutes River to full health. The Deschutes River Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3).