Bradshaw Drop to Yankee Creek

The aging, earthen canal system currently loses approximately 21 percent of its water due to seepage and evaporation, exacerbating the impacts of drought and contributing to lower stream flows that affect habitat for endangered coho salmon and other species. The canal also presents maintenance challenges and is at risk of failure, which could disrupt the water supply for many orchards and farms, potentially impacting the local economy.

MID is working with Rogue River Valley Irrigation District and other partners to modernize the Joint System Canal, which delivers water to the Medford Canal. The next phase of modernization for MID is to pipe the upper section of the Medford Canal. Upgrading 2.7 miles of canal to a pipe will eliminate an estimated 4.2 cfs of water loss and dramatically reduce the risk of canal failure. The project will conserve in-stream 25% of the water saved from seepage, enhancing stream flows in Little Butte Creek.

The past several years of drought have demonstrated the importance of irrigation modernization to address agricultural and in-stream water needs in the Rogue Basin. We support the District’s project and funding requests for design and implementation. The Medford Canal Piping Project provides an example of a win-win solution that improves agricultural and ecological resiliency in the region.