Irrigation Districts Reduce Water Deliveries as Drought Impacts Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two water districts have taken steps to reduce water deliveries as Central Oregon continues to deal with drought conditions.

According to the Central Irrigation District, due to natural flows of the Deschutes River dropping, they have decreased deliveries. The district reports on their website they will be dropping delivery percentages to around 70%.

The Arnold Irrigation District, which serves several communities throughout Central Oregon, has shut off flows to customers. According to their website, customers may still see water at their headgates, but - due to river levels, they made the decision to stop flows.

A new drought monitor report for Central Oregon is expected to be released on Thursday.

Local Alert Chief Meteorologist John Carroll has been tracking the conditions and says he is concerned due to the lack of rain, these conditions could worsen in the coming weeks.