Klamath Water Bank Opens 2026 Drought Program
Up to $19.1 million available as 40,000 to 50,000 Klamath Project acres may be idled this season due to reduced water supply.
KLAMATH BASIN — The Klamath Project Drought Response Agency has opened enrollment for its 2026 Drought Response Program, offering financial assistance to irrigators facing another reduced water year across the Klamath Project.
According to a notice shared by the Klamath Water Users Association on behalf of the Klamath Water Bank, irrigation water supplies this season are expected to fall well short of what is needed for normal farm and ranch operations.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an initial water availability of 221,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake. Officials said that amount represents just over half of the volume typically needed for full Project water deliveries.
Klamath Water Bank opens enrollment for its 2026 Drought Response Program. Officials say reduced water supplies could force 40,000 to 50,000 acres within the Klamath Project to be idled this season.
The reduced allocation was attributed to a combination of low snowpack, snow drought conditions, early spring-like weather, and regulatory operating requirements that officials say cannot be changed in time for the 2026 season.
As a result, an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 acres within the Klamath Project are expected to be idled this year.
To help offset impacts, the drought response program is now accepting applications through June 15. Up to $19.1 million is available, with estimated payments ranging from $300 to $350 per acre. The program is designed to give irrigators an additional option as they make planting and operational decisions for the season ahead.
Officials noted that to qualify for full payment, enrolled parcels must receive no irrigation water from any source, including surface water or groundwater, from Nov. 1, 2025 through Oct. 31, 2026. Additional eligibility requirements also apply.
More information, enrollment materials, and policy details are available at klamathwaterbank.com.
The Klamath Project Drought Response Agency and KWUA also announced plans to host upcoming workshops to help participants with sign-up questions and program details. Dates are expected to be released soon.
Cover image: file photo by Brian Gailey.
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