LWP-11-01 - Pepper Bridge

The Pepper Bridge Local Water Plan (LWP) was jointly proposed by Pepper Bridge Land Company, LLC; Homeward Bound, LP; and Sequel. The purpose of the Pepper Bridge LWP is to provide flexibility to the Local Group and enhance instream flow conditions from the surface water point of diversion on Yellowhawk Creek downstream to the confluence with the Walla Walla River, with continuing benefit to flow conditions on the Walla Walla River as far downstream as river mile 31 or further depending on river conditions and diversion patterns.
This is being accomplished by: (1) leaving instream a portion (0.866 cfs and 29 acre-feet) of the existing surface water rights from October 1 – April 1; (2) conjunctive use of existing surface water and basalt well infrastructure to withdraw irrigation water from the basalt wells during July 1 – August 31 annually, with possible conjunctive use in other months based on flows and fish needs, (3) adding a point of diversion/withdrawal and water source to existing surface water rights to enable withdrawal from a hydraulically connected alluvial aquifer well for a new purpose of use, allowing commercial and industrial use of 65 gpm and 15 acre-feet in a winery and tasting room; (4) conservation of up to 311 acre-feet of irrigation water from crop conversion to grapes; and (5) deposit of additional water rights into the Partnership water bank.

This LWP is authorized through September 30, 2016.