Deschutes River Conservancy awarded $2.6 million for piping, on-farm water efficiency projects Jess Kraft/Deschutes River Conservancy The Deschutes River Conservancy says increased water equity among farmers will allow for better balance in the basin and healthier flows in the Deschutes River and its tributaries Will pipe smaller, lateral canals, to help restore river flows BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes River Conservancy said Friday it will be awarded $2.6 million in federal funds to implement water conservation projects within the Central Oregon Irrigation District to reduce water demands and restore flows in the Upper Deschutes River. Here's the DRC's announcement news release, in full: