Christopher Ditch Piping - Phase 2

The Hood River basin is located within one of only two identified “Substantial Potential Conflict Areas” hotspots in Oregon, as mapped by the USDI Bureau of Reclamation’s “Potential Water Crises by 2025” (www.doi.gov/water2025/). This status is given to western US basin regions where “existing supplies are not adequate to meet water demands for people, farms & environment”. High competition is due to the presence of important aquatic species (ESA listed winter steelhead, Coho, and spring Chinook), high out-of-stream water allocation (East Fork Irrigation District and Mt. Hood Irrigation District rights of up to 127 cfs), and diminishing summer flows caused by climate change.

The Warm Springs Tribe used project funds to complete a water efficiency project in the Hood River basin. This was the second phase of a two phase project to reconstruct an irrigation water delivery system for patrons of the East Fork Irrigation District (EFID). The first phase included installation of 3,000 feet of 15” irrigation pipe in the open Christopher irrigation ditch and was completed in 2014. This project is identified as a high priority project in the Hood River Watershed Action Plan and draft Lower Columbia Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan. The project is located within the Lower Columbia ESU for steelhead (Oncorynchus mykiss), coho (Oncorynchus kisutch), and spring Chinook salmon (Oncorynchus tshawytscha). Additional species that will benefit from this project include pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) and resident trout (O. mykiss).

The Christopher Ditch Piping – Phase II project was a successful project. It was completed on time and on budget. This project compliments other piping and water conservation efforts in the East Fork Hood River watershed – with the goal of increasing instream flow and habitat for salmonids.

Upon Completion of the Christopher Ditch Piping Project Phase II, approximately 6800 feet of pipeline was installed -providing irrigation water to 25 users. The project resulted in the conservation 0.5 cfs of water, which was converted into an instream water right for the East Fork Hood River. PCSRF dollars were used to purchase the pipe and fittings for the project and were used for the construction of the pipeline.

The work performed and paid for using FY 2014 PCSRF funds under this project at each worksite is as follows:
Approximately 6800 feet of pipe of various sizes ranging from 1” to 15” has been installed from the Christopher Ditch mainline to users to the north of the mainline and across Neal Creek Road. 5 main irrigation lines were installed which will provide irrigation water to 25 users. 26 valves have been installed to service these users. The pipeline corridor was re-contoured and revegetated upon completion of the project. PCSRF dollars were used to purchase 6800 feet of pipe and fittings and for construction of the pipeline.

Benefits include a water savings of 0.5 cfs, elimination of an overflow and reduction of irrigation overflow into Neal Creek. Reduction of the overflow will improve water quality in Neal Creek (reduced input of glacial sediment) and will benefit steelhead and coho. The EFID has submitted a conserved water application to the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) for this project and a Final Order has been issued by the OWRD for the conversation of 0.5 cfs into an instream water right for the East Fork Hood River. Spring Chinook, steelhead, and coho will benefit from an increased stream flow during the low flow period. Benefits include improved fish passage through the irrigation bypass reach, water quality (temperature), and an increase in juvenile rearing habitat