The current available storage in Mercer Reservoir remains sufficient for the average watershed yield today and well beyond 2040. However, an analysis indicates that the City could face a shortfall should a 100-year drought occur. As the City's water demands increase, as projected, and a 100-year drought occurs, the available storage in Mercer Reservoir could result in voluntary and/or mandatory water restrictions during the dry months. The City is proactively working to expand our water storage to provide for at least 50 years of projected water demands under drought conditions.
On August 3, 2023, the City and Jacob's Engineering held an open house meeting for stakeholders to describe the need, proposed solution and next steps. A copy of the presentation from that meeting is available on the City's Document Directory. (Mercer Reservoir Expansion - Stakeholder Meeting presentation - Aug 3, 2023)
Where are the next steps?
- The City of Dallas is currently engineering the project and submitting permits. A water storage permit has been submitted to the Oregon Water Resources Department. This permit is in review.
- Complete design and engineering of the new dam.
- Secure additional financing (e.g. Federal and State Grants and Loans)
- Construct the project!
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