Columbia River treaty unites U.S., Canada

Before the Columbia River flood control system, spring blooms often coincided with large muddy floods inundating communities and farms. While the Midwest still faces threats from swollen rivers due to heavy rain and rapid snowmelt, the Columbia River basin does not.

Our abatement efforts started with the completion of Grand Coulee Dam in 1942.

Although flood control was its primary purpose, Grand Coulee Dam also provides water to irrigate 670,000 acres of farmland. Additionally, it generates electricity that supplies 35% of the total Pacific Northwest power.

Grand Coulee’s stored water will be...