Reliable long-term forecast assessing Columbia River Basin water supply and demand trends to guide Washington’s planning, resilience, and policy.
The 2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast evaluates how climate change, population growth, agriculture, and energy needs will affect future water availability across eastern Washington. Using integrated models of hydrology, crop production, and river operations, researchers assessed surface water, groundwater, agricultural demand, residential use, hydropower, and instream flow needs through 2040. Results highlight vulnerabilities from earlier snowmelt, seasonal supply shifts, declining groundwater levels, and increasing residential and agricultural demands. The forecast informs state legislators, water managers, and communities in planning for sustainable water resources and adapting to changing conditions.
Products from this Project
- Legislative Report
2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast - Fact Sheet
About the 2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast - Website
2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast Data Access - Report
2021 Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast Technical Report - Publication
Concurrently Assessing Water Supply and Demand Is Critical for Evaluating Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
Project Dates
2019– 2021
Areas of Focus
- Agricultural Practices
- Agricultural Technology
- Climate & Environment
- Research Engagement & Communication
- Water Resources & Policy
Topics
- Climate Change
- Crops
- Energy
- Natural Resources
- Production Systems
- Soils & Fertility
- Waste Management
- Water Resources
