About the 2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast

This four-page fact sheet summarizes the 2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast, which assesses how climate change, population growth, and agricultural shifts will alter water availability and demand across eastern Washington through 2040. Using integrated hydrological, crop production, and river operations models, researchers from Washington State University and partners quantified expected changes in surface and groundwater supplies, agricultural and residential water demands, and hydropower production. The forecast identifies where supplies and demands will likely diverge, helping water managers and policymakers prioritize investments and strategies to strengthen the resilience of the Columbia River system.