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About the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP)
Groundwater supplies have been declining in the Odessa Subarea for many years putting the region at risk of losing this vitally important resource. Farmers that rely on water for their livelihoods and communities that rely on the aquifer for drinking water are beginning to realize what living without this vital resource would mean to the region.
The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) is a regional effort to implement the Odessa Subarea Special Study FEIS (2012), which is building the necessary infrastructure for farmers to exchange valid state-issued Odessa groundwater rights for Columbia Basin Project water.
The OGWRP consists of 3 main stages:
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Upgrades to create additional canal flow capacity that maximizes existing infrastructure.
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Construction of lateral delivery systems to convey water from the East Low Canal to lands that are eligible under the OGWRP.
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On-farm improvements to extend irrigation delivery to individual farms with cost efficiencies and conservation benefits.
Upgrades that have been completed to the main canal means it can now provide Columbia Basin Project water to pumping plants that will deliver water through laterals to farmlands within the project boundaries.
Learn more about how the declining aquifer is impacting local municipal water purveyors by visiting the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water Coalition's website here →
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Partners
Partners in OGWRP include the Columbia Basin Conservation District, US Bureau of Reclamation, East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Washington State Department of Ecology - Office of Columbia River, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Together, we're working to construct the infrastructure, issue water rights, ensure eligible lands get access to water for irrigation, and secure funding to assist with costs.
Costs
Estimated design and construction costs for the 9 pumping plants and laterals is up to $400 million. In addition, each landowner will need on-farm infrastructure to hook up to the new irrigation pipes. CBCD and ECBID are working to secure funds from federal programs to help cover the remaining costs of OGWRP. Learn more here →
Eligible Lands
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Eligibility for participation in OGWRP include:
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Lands that are within the boundaries of the federally managed Columbia River Basin Project
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Lands that are in the Odessa Subarea special study area.
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Lands that have a valid state-issued groundwater right.
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Landowners must be able to enter into a water service contract.
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Click on the map above to see the boundaries of the Odessa Subarea or contact ECBID or CBCD to find out if your property is eligible to participate in OGWRP.
