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ProPublicaonMastodon1d ago
NEW: OPB and ProPublica found that water from one of Oregon’s most iconic rivers, the Deschutes, is largely given away to wealthy landowners who are turning the high desert green with lush pastures and landscaping.
https://www.propublica.org/article/deschutes-river-oregon-water-rights?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mastodon-post
#News #Oregon #Farming #Agriculture #Water #River #Drought #Law
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Accuracy92%
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Context70%
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Analysis Summary
A century-old Oregon water law lets about 7,500 wealthy landowners in Central Oregon claim more than half the Deschutes River's water—which they use mostly to grow grass and pasture for landscaping and livestock. Meanwhile, farmers downstream face severe water shortages during drought years, forced to fallow productive farmland while irrigation districts deliver water to grass rather than food crops. ProPublica and OPB's investigation found this pattern persists even during historic drought, raising questions about whether a 100-year-old law written for a different era still serves Oregon's actual agricultural and environmental needs.
Claims Analysis (3)
“Water from the Deschutes River in Oregon is largely given away to wealthy landowners.”
ProPublica and OPB investigation confirmed. Multiple sources verify that a century-old Oregon law entitles about 7,500 landowners in one region to more than half the river's volume during drought.
“These wealthy landowners are turning the high desert green with lush pastures and landscaping.”
Investigation documents that water-rich landowners grow mostly grass and pasture for landscaping and grazing, confirmed by ProPublica and OPB reporting.
“During historic drought, farmers downstream are suffering water shortages.”
Multiple sources confirm that while one wealthy region diverts half the Deschutes during drought, water-starved farmers downstream must fallow commercial crops. Between April-October, the river reduces to a creek-like flow.
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