Cumulative Watershed Impacts of Small-Scale Hydroelectric Projects in Irrigation Delivery Systems: A Case Study

The information and analysis in this case study provides basic background on small-scale hydropower projects located within irrigation water delivery systems; describes why the opportunity to develop these projects exists; identifies barriers to implementation; and discusses the environmental issues and concerns associated with these projects. Through examination of two existing small-scale hydro projects located within irrigation infrastructure – the Farmers Irrigation District and Middle Fork Irrigation District projects in Hood River, Oregon -- an analysis of the impact on a watershed over nearly 30 years of operation is provided. The analysis includes considerations of the socio-economic, political, and environmental impacts on the watershed community in which these projects operate.