Drought Declared in Deschutes Basin – March 26, 2026
A drought declaration has been issued for the Deschutes Basin, reflecting ongoing dry conditions, below-average snowpack, and reduced streamflows across Central Oregon. This designation helps unlock tools and coordination to support water users, agriculture, and communities as the region navigates another challenging water year.
Learn more and access current conditions and resources: https://bit.ly/4228MmD
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2026 IRRIGATION SEASON UPDATE (posted 04/07/26)
Both canals were opened yesterday, 4/6/26. It takes a couple of days for the water at the headworks on the Deschutes River in Bend to get to the end of our systems in Terrebonne and Powell Butte. Once water reaches the end of the main canals the levels can then increase in the canals and begin to feed the smaller lateral canals that deliver to our patrons.
Central Oregon Canal (Services east side of Bend, Alfalfa & Powell Butte)
Turn on 4/6/26 at a stock water run level and will increase to 50% with live flow availability.
Pilot Butte Canal (Services north end of Bend, Redmond & Terrebonne)
Turn on 4/6/26 at a stock water run level and will increase to 50% with live flow availability.
Please remember that we will start-up at stock water run levels to get the system filled and to replenish stock ponds. Typically, this is not enough water to get irrigation systems up and going for the first couple of weeks. If you are on a rotation, schedules will be mailed out the first week of April and the start date for rotations is 4/13/26.
If you call the office, please note that we are experiencing high call volume at this time. If you get the voicemail, please leave your name, phone number, address and nature of your call and staff will return your call as soon as possible.
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2026 IRRIGATION SEASON START UP (posted 3/10/26)
Central Oregon Canal (Services east side of Bend, Alfalfa & Powell Butte)
Scheduled to turn on 4/6/26 at a stock water run level and will increase to 50% with live flow availability.
Pilot Butte Canal (Services north end of Bend, Redmond & Terrebonne)
Scheduled to turn on 4/6/26 at a stock water run level and will increase to 50% with live flow availability.
Please remember that we will start-up at stock water run levels to get the system filled and to replenish stock ponds. Typically, this is not enough water to get irrigation systems up and going for the first couple of weeks. If you are on a rotation, schedules will be mailed out the first week of April and the start date for rotations is 4/13/26.
Flow Schedule for Season:
These flows are the maximum allowable delivery Rate. Our ability to meet these rates is dependent on available water.
50% flow from Start Up Date – April 30th
75% flow from May 1st – May 14th
100% flow from May 15th – September 15th
75% flow from September 16th -September 30th
50% flow from October 1st – ?
Season shut off October (Specific date to be announced in September)
*Due to the drought conditions these flows are subject to change as flows in the Deschutes River decrease.
During regular business hours when we are experiencing a high volume of calls, please leave a message or click the email link below to email us. This will expedite getting your requests to the appropriate staff.
If you are experiencing an emergency outside of regular business hours these calls should be limited to true emergencies such as canal breaching, flooding, reporting major damage or hit infrastructure, or if you are on a rotation schedule outside of business hours and are experiencing water problems.
If you need to report a non-emergency water issue outside of regular office hours, you may submit an email to info@coid.org and staff will respond during regular business hours or you may call the office during regular business hours.
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2026 Rate Update: 12/16/25
As part of an ongoing five-year rate adjustment schedule to ensure the district can sustainably meet its operational, maintenance, and administrative responsibilities, the COID Board of Directors approved a 3.5% rate increase for all patrons, effective in 2026.
Since 2012, hydropower revenue has helped offset operations and maintenance costs, reducing patron assessments by up to 40%. As energy markets shift and long-standing contracts expire, this revenue source is declining. Beginning in 2026, the district anticipates a 60% reduction in hydropower funding, requiring costs previously covered by hydropower to be addressed through patron assessments.
COID remains committed to operating efficiently, managing costs responsibly, and keeping patrons informed as we plan for the district’s long-term sustainability. For questions, please contact Customer Service at 541-548-6047, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
