The Oregon Water Resources Department is undertaking a cooperative groundwater study with the Washington State Department of Ecology (WA-Ecology) and the US Geological Survey (USGS) to better understand the Walla Walla hydrologic system. The study goal is to produce a comprehensive understanding of the bistate groundwater system that will enable holistic water management decisions. This includes developing a description of groundwater interactions between the various aquifers and surface water.
In 2022, Department staff continued to work with the USGS and WA-Ecology on data collection. This year, over 15 OWRD staff worked to collect a variety of data, including:
- Flow and seepage data on the Walla Walla River
- Quarterly flow data on the Little Walla Walla River, Pine Creek, Dry Creek, Mud Creek and other spring fed tributaries
- Quarterly and continuously recorded groundwater level data
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USGS Walla Walla Groundwater Study
Public Participation Opportunities
Groundwater Study Work Plan and Public Participation Plan Development
The Cooperating Agencies (Oregon Water Resources Department, Washington State Department of Ecology, and the US Geological Survey) have finalized the Groundwater Study Work Plan and developed a draft of the Public Participation Plan. The Cooperating Agencies invited the public to review and provide feedback on the following documents by March 25, 2020:
A public scoping meeting was held in October 2020 to provide public input to the Groundwater Study Work Plan and the Public Participation Plan. All of the materials from the meeting are provided below:
If you have questions or comments, do not hesitate to reach out to Chris Kowitz via email chris.c.kowitz@water.oregon.gov or phone 541-278-5456.