Bend, OR. — A drought has been declared in Deschutes County following an unusually warm and dry winter, prompting the City of Bend to call on residents and businesses to begin conserving water ahead of peak summer demand.
City officials say Bend’s water system remains stable for now, supported by a dual-source system that draws from both surface water and groundwater. However, low snowfall and dry soil conditions are already increasing water use, raising concerns about potential strain during periods of high demand or emergency situations such as wildfire response.
“Bend has a strong track record of coming together to save water,” said Dan Denning, the City’s Water Conservation Program manager. “When people make small adjustments at home and work, it truly makes a difference for the whole community.”
The City emphasized that proactive conservation helps maintain reservoir levels needed for fire protection and can delay the need for costly infrastructure expansion. Officials pointed to recent success: in July 2025, Bend residents used 49 million fewer gallons of water than the previous year, equating to about 20 gallons saved per person per day.
Building on that progress, Bend has set conservation targets for 2026, including a voluntary reduction of 17 gallons per person per day and a 12% reduction in water use among commercial customers. These goals were met multiple times in 2025.
To support conservation efforts, the City is offering free irrigation consultations, rebates for high-efficiency fixtures, and incentives for turf replacement, alongside increased enforcement of water waste rules.
Officials are encouraging residents to take simple steps such as checking irrigation systems, preventing overspray, and adhering to watering schedules.
“These are simple actions, but when thousands of people follow through, the impact is significant,” Denning said. “Saving water helps delay expensive investments, protects Bend’s supply, and saves money for customers.”
More information on conservation programs and regulations is available at waterwisetips.org.
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