Central Oregon Irrigation District

The Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) is responsible for diverting approximately 90% of the Deschutes River's water through an extensive network of canals and pipes to irrigate agricultural lands in the high desert region near Bend and Redmond, Oregon. This diversion, which primarily occurs between April and October, significantly reduces the river's flow, impacting its ecological health and leaving it resembling a creek. COID is currently newsworthy due to ongoing efforts by Oregon leaders to save the Deschutes River, a challenge complicated by the district's substantial water usage. Recent developments highlight the tension between agricultural needs and environmental concerns, as water shortages, exacerbated by drought, have forced farmers like Brandon Swanson to fallow land previously used for crops like potatoes. The district's operations underscore the critical role it plays in enabling agriculture in a arid region, while simultaneously contributing to the environmental pressures on the Deschutes River, making its water management practices a focal point of current conservation discussions.