DESCRIPTION
The Dungeness Streamflow Restoration Off-Channel Reservoir is a climate change resiliency and habitat restoration project designed to restore flows to the Dungeness River in the late summer by storing water from the river during winter and spring when flows are more plentiful and available. The stored water will be used for irrigation later in the year in place of water withdrawn directly from the river when flows are at their lowest. The project goal is to restore up to 25 cfs streamflow to the Dungeness River during low-flow season, an increase of as much as 50%. River water will be diverted during winter/spring high flows and conveyed through the Highland Irrigation District infrastructure at River Mile 10.5, when flow is above the instream flow rule, into a climate-resilient off-stream reservoir. The reservoir will provide an alternative irrigation water source in late summer from typical agricultural river diversions. The project also presents expanded aquifer recharge opportunities to restore flows to independent streams and will be part of a nearly 400-acre park with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and recreation.
The Dungeness
Streamflow Restoration Off-Channel Reservoir is a climate change resiliency and
habitat restoration project designed to restore flows to the Dungeness River in
the late summer by storing water from the river during winter and spring when
flows are more plentiful and available. The stored water will be used for
irrigation later in the year in place of water withdrawn directly from the
river when flows are at their lowest.
The project goal is to restore up to 25 cfs streamflow to the Dungeness
River during low-flow season, an increase of as much as 50%. River water will
be diverted during winter/spring high flows and conveyed through the Highland
Irrigation District infrastructure at River Mile 10.5, when flow is above the
instream flow rule, into a climate-resilient off-stream reservoir. The
reservoir will provide an alternative irrigation water source in late summer
from typical agricultural river diversions. The project also presents expanded
aquifer recharge opportunities to restore flows to independent streams and will
be part of a nearly 400-acre park with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and
recreation.