Jefferson County farmers are approaching the end of a hard-fought irrigation season, with the North Unit Irrigation District scheduled to shut off water deliveries on October 9, 2026 — on time, and without the further allotment cuts that had been a real possibility just weeks ago.
In an update to patrons, NUID General Manager Joshua Bailey confirmed that the district's September 8 board meeting brought welcome news: despite a summer marked by low live flow, high water demand, and a significant drawdown of Wikiup Reservoir, no additional reduction in water allotments will be necessary before the season closes.
"We are pleased to inform you that current and forecasted conditions indicate no reduction in water allotments is necessary. We remain on schedule to conclude our irrigation activities by the planned shutdown date of October 9."
A Season That Tested the System
The 2026 irrigation season was shaped by some of the most difficult water conditions Jefferson County has faced in years. The season opened with reduced allotments already in place — the NUID board approved 1.30 acre-feet per acre from the Deschutes River and just 0.65 acre-feet per acre from the Crooked River at its March 24 meeting, citing historically low snowpack and multi-year precipitation deficits.
Jefferson County has received an emergency drought declaration from Oregon's governor every year since 2020, and 2026 was no exception. Governor Tina Kotek expanded the state's drought emergency to 17 counties this spring, with Jefferson County among those experiencing extreme conditions that threatened farming, ranching, and rangeland health.
What Comes Next
With the October 9 shutoff approaching, the district will transition its focus to maintenance, construction projects, and planning for the 2027 irrigation season. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to wrap up water orders and plan accordingly for dryland operations through the fall and winter.
The North Unit Irrigation District serves approximately 58,000 acres of farmland in Jefferson County, delivering water primarily from the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. Patrons with questions about the season closeout can contact the district office directly.
Looking Ahead
Water managers across Central Oregon are watching fall precipitation patterns carefully. A return to more normal snowpack this winter would offer some relief heading into 2027 — though with multi-year deficits still on the books, Jefferson County agriculture remains in a fragile position. Ranchers and row crop farmers alike will be watching reservoir levels and NWRFC forecasts closely in the months ahead.