The City of Bend has been proactive in planning long-term, sustainable water supplies for its customers and has a diverse and resilient water supply portfolio. 

Periods of drought occur regularly in Central Oregon. In general, records of the last 100 years show a drought cycle occurring about every ten years in the Deschutes Basin. The impacts of these drought cycles are wide-ranging and can affect water users in Central Oregon in different ways. Today and looking ahead, we know that a changing climate brings an even greater level of uncertainty, with the latest research predicting more frequent and intense drought cycles and potential loss of mid-elevation snowpack.

Bend water customers are fortunate to have two sources of water supply: surface water from the Bend Municipal Watershed and groundwater from the Deschutes Regional Aquifer. These two key sources of water, along with a commitment to water conservation and efficiency, positively positions the City to continue to meet current and future residential, commercial, and industrial water needs. The City of Bend does anticipate that even with a strong water conservation program that is significantly reducing per capita water use, that some new water supply will be needed in the next 20 years due to growth. The City has applied for a new groundwater right from the Oregon Department of Water Resources.  More information is available here 

However, not everyone living in Bend is a Bend water customer. Private water utilities such as Avion and Roats, in addition to several irrigation districts, also provide water in and around our community. Customers of these water purveyors should check to see if there are water supply concerns related to drought. 

Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to use water wisely regardless of the source. 

Latest News - 2024

Normal landscape irrigation regulations are in effect: 

• No irrigation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
• Even addresses are allowed to irrigate on even-numbered calendar days
• Odd addresses are allowed to irrigate on odd-numbered calendar days 
• No irrigation runoff, water entering the streets, or storm drains

City of Bend Water System Overview and Map
This one-page summary describes the City of Bend’s water sources and includes an illustrated water system “map” showing the general layout of the water distribution system.

Additional Drought Information & Resources

•  Oregon Drought Conditions from the National Integrated Drought Information System Oregon | Drought.gov. 
  Provides regularly updated drought information, mapping, and water resources and supply information at the state and county level.

• Oregon Water Resources Department - Water Conditions Report
  The OWRD Water Conditions Report is updated weekly and includes a variety of statewide information related to the water conditions of each basin.

• Oregon Water Resources Department – Drought Watch
  The OWRD Drought Watch website contains statewide information relating to drought conditions, drought declarations, and other informational resources.
  
  
• US Bureau of Reclamation - Upper Deschutes Basin Study
  The USBR Upper Deschutes Basin Study focuses on how the Deschutes Basin will perform in the face of changing water demands and a changing climate.  The City of Bend is one of many water stakeholders involved in the study.
  
  
• US Geological Survey Groundwater Hydrology of the Upper Deschutes Basin
  This USGS study focuses on the groundwater hydrology of the Upper Deschutes Basin and how the potential impacts of groundwater use effects flows.   
  
  
• City of Bend WaterWiseTips.org
  The City offers a wide variety of water conservation information, resources, and programs to help customers use less water.  Water isn't the only thing you will save!
  
  
• Drought Resources for HOA's
  Legislation regarding HOA and CC&R watering rules during a drought declaration.
  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Is the City of Bend going to be facing any water supply issues with drought conditions? 

A:  No.  Due to our resilient water supply sources and inherent flexibility of them, the City does not anticipate any shortages in water supply, even in drought years.  The City’s source of surface water, combined with peak season water supply from groundwater wells, combined with an emphasis on water conservation and its existing regulations, have positioned the City well heading into the future.  However, the City will continue to monitor water supply conditions closely and update this page regularly.   

Q:  Will the City impose any irrigation or watering restrictions because of a drought? 

A:  There are existing irrigation regulations, including designated even and odd irrigation days and irrigation hours (no irrigation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.), that City of Bend water customers must follow. The City does not currently expect to issue additional mandatory water supply restrictions but encourages wise water use and conservation. Information about water conservation, including city assistance and rebate incentives for conserving water, can be found at Water Conservation | City of Bend (bendoregon.gov).

Q:  I live in the city but get my water from Avion or Roats.  What does this mean for me? 

A:  Private water utilities like Avion and Roats have their own water supplies and may have different water use restrictions for their customers.  Please check with your provider to see what restrictions, if any, they have in place. 

Q:  Do drought conditions trigger curtailment restrictions on water use?

A:  Generally, no.  Existing City irrigation regulations and other water conservation efforts have been enough to keep water demands within supply availability during recent drought conditions. Curtailment and potential mandated water use restrictions would be triggered by the City if there was a significant water supply shortage event; more information about curtailment is located here Water Curtailment Stages | City of Bend (bendoregon.gov). 

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Flash Player QuickTime Windows Media Player Microsoft Silverlight Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer

If you need assistance with any document, form, etc.,
you may request assistance from the Accessibility Program.