SUSTAINABLE AND DROUGHT RESISTANT: THE COLUMBIA BASIN PROJECT CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE

In a November 20, 2024 Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR) blog, Andrew McGuire discusses the Columbia Basin Project’s (CBP) ability to provide sustainable and drought proof irrigation to Washington State. McGuire identifies changes in water supply, sedimentation, salinization of the soil, and the failure to maintain irrigation systems as the primary sources of the collapse of irrigation dependent civilizations. Then, he analyzes how the CBP capably addresses each of these threats.

How the CBP addresses changing water supplies: The CBP watershed is located in a Northern high elevation and extends into the Canadian Rockies, so it is less vulnerable to the impacts of drought. Plus, the future forecasts for the upper Columbia River remain favorable with the expectation of earlier peak flows along with slight annual flow increases. The CBP uses only an estimated 3% of the Columbia River’s annual flow and, in drought years, Lake Roosevelt provides a buffer by storing three times the water used by CBP. In addition, CBP has priority water rights dating back to 1938 which provide a guarantee of sufficient water resources.

Dealing with the threat of sedimentation: For the CBP, the threat of sedimentation remains low as the Columbia River carries a lower load than other rivers in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, sedimentation has reduced water storage behind Grand Coulee dam by only 10% since 1942. Plus, local irrigation districts remove sedimentation annually in canals and ditches.

Soil salinization in the CBP. Unlike other areas in the U.S., the CBP has access to high quality water with crops whose irrigated soils have good drainage. Therefore, the threat of salinization in the soil remains low.

Infrastructure maintenance in the CBP. Maintaining the irrigation infrastructure is a societal, community, and grower commitment to make sure water conveyance components function efficiently. In 2014, Wanapum Dam cracked and needed immediate repair which required a temporary reduction in water levels and $61 million dollars to fix. A main canal sidewall failed in 2024 during irrigation season and repairs were completed within a week reducing the impacts to crop production. The CBP has tested its ability to maintain infrastructure and has been able to effectively maintain its system. A new proposed Columbia River Treaty with Canada is awaiting approval from the U.S. and Canada that ensures water flows benefitting both countries.

With continued support, McGuire asserts that the CBP will support regional and national food security and should continue to do so well into the future.

To read Andrew McGuire’s CSANR Blog in its entirety go here.

Please contact Andrew McGuire if you’re interested in presentations on this topic.