Bend's Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP) is a $68 million drain on Tumalo Creek, rate-payers pockets, and Bend's economy. The City of Bend currently takes water out of Tumalo Creek for city water use. The proposed SWIP is Bend's biggest public works project ever, and it will take more water out of Tumalo Creek, reducing flows into the Middle Deschutes by 30%. It will also raise water rates for city water users by 40% over the next five years. This is not necessary. There are many viable options that are more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective.
To learn more about the campaign, being lead by Central Oregon Landwatch and a coalition of concerned citizens, against Bend's Surface Water Improvement Project or to sign the petition please visit our Stop the Drain website at
www.stopthedrain.org