Watershed plans bring canal debate back into view

The Tumalo, Central Oregon and Swalley irrigation districts are working with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service to create a plan for water conservation in Central Oregon, with one major, controversial aspect: to pipe more irrigation canals, with the possible help of federal funding.

The idea is to create a plan that will work for all involved, including the public, in order to use water most effectively while still cultivating a sustainable environment for the wildlife.

Tumalo Irrigation is looking to use their funds to find a balance that will best serve the people in their district.

In the Tumalo district, 55 percent of the water in the system is lost to canal leakage, and a new system would aim to change that.

Officials said would rather see the water in the natural streams and rivers than the man-made canals. But many canal neighbors have fought past piping projects for various reasons, from the welcome sight and sound of the rushing water to concerns about impacts on property values and the groundwater aquifer wildlife rely on.

With the conservation of the environment and water being the main point for the water districts, the canals could be stopped from flowing.

But irrigation district officials, environmental groups and others say piping the canals may be the best option, when it comes to creating a sustainable watershed plan.

Finding that balance will be key in moving forward.

It’s also the topic of our latest KTVZ.COM Poll: Do you believe all Central Oregon irrigation canals should be piped, to save water? Find the poll halfway down the right side of our home page.