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Harney Basin Groundwater Study

The Harney Basin Groundwater Study is a cooperative study between WRD and the US Geological Survey. An intensive data gathering effort occurred between 2015 and 2018, a data analysis and reporting stage began in 2019, and the peer-review and publication process occurred from 2020 to 2022. A groundwater study advisory committee, which included local water users and other interested stakeholders, was jointly appointed by the Department and the County Court to receive updates and provide input into the study. The advisory committee had their final meeting in December 2019. The final, peer-reviewed report was released in April 2022.

Click on the links below to access documents or websites associated with the Groundwater Study:


WRD and the USGS hosted an in-person public meeting on November 3, 2022, to give some background on why a study was needed, some key study findings and some next steps that can be taken to stabilize groundwater declines in the basin. The meeting materials and supporting information that were provided at this meeting can be accessed below: