Your PUD Water Storage Studies

In response to strong interest (and funding) from the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), Chelan County PUD is investigating the possibility of developing water storage projects involving the Columbia River.

This could include two primary methods:

  • Raising the elevation of the reservoir behind Rocky Reach Dam by 1 to 3 feet and releasing the stored water during low-flow periods (late summer and fall) as needed for increased downstream flows for fish or out-of-stream uses such as irrigation.

  • Pumping water out of the Columbia River during high-flow periods and storing it in suitable locations (lakes) where it could then be returned to the river when needed (known as pumped storage) – potentially generating electricity as it flows back into the river. 

Ecology has been directed by the state Legislature to find additional water for in-stream and out-of-stream uses. The agency has money to pay for studies, and that’s where Chelan PUD has begun its work. A more complete Q-A on the project can be found below.

Information will be updated as progress is made on studying these opportunities. If you have questions, please contact Kris Pomianek by
e-mail or call her, 509 661-4186.

Background information