Klamath Water Crisis
In The Klamath Basin

A Klamath water crisis has existed in the Klamath Basin since 2001. When it began to unfold in the spring of that year, we couldn't believe the eyes of the nation were on Klamath Falls, Oregon, and the A Canal (which is a short distance from where we live). A group of farmers and local citizens formed a "bucket brigade" and attempted to transfer water from Upper Klamath Lake to the canal that supplies irrigation water to the farmers.

The Klamath Basin Reclamation Agreement or KBRA was signed in early 2010. Its aim is to resolve water disputes with irrigators, fisheries, conservationists, and local tribes. The KBRA still needs to be funded by Congress and won't be implemented for several years.


This situation has worsened because of the insufficient amount of snow pack in the mountains in 2010. The Upper Klamath Lake is already at its lowest level for this time of year and the prospect for water for irrigators isn't very good. The governor came to Klamath Falls in March of 2010 to review the crisis. He has recommended that the state of Oregon provide drought assistance to the irrigators. But the farmers say they don't want assistance - they want water.


(This subject is not directly associated with a Klamath vacation, but knowing about it helps a visitor to be aware of some of the major concerns that affect the people of the Klamath Basin.)

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