Port of Moses Lake and CBCD Request Moses Lake Operational Study to Advance W20 Lateral Extension Project

May 5
2 min read

Updated: May 7

May 5, 2026 | Moses Lake, WA

The Port of Moses Lake, in partnership with the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) has formally requested that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) initiate a Moses Lake operational study. This request marks an important step forward in evaluating the feasibility and potential impacts of the proposed W20 Lateral Extension Project.

The W20 Project is a locally-led, collaborative effort focused on strengthening long-term water reliability and water quality in Moses Lake and across the greater Columbia Basin. Project partners remain committed to advancing solutions that will provide municipal water supplies, conserve groundwater, improve water quality, and enhance operational flexibility within the Columbia Basin Project.

The requested operational study will evaluate key factors related to the W20 Project, including municipal and industrial (M&I) water needs, West Canal capacity, Moses Lake water levels, and overall storage management. This work will help ensure that future decisions are informed by sound data and a comprehensive understanding of system-wide impacts.

Four people stand by a winding canal in a rocky landscape. Parked cars on the dirt road. Graffiti lines the canal walls. Clear sky above. — *Port of Moses Lake and CBCD staff along W20 canal | April 2026 | Photo by Britton Baker, CBCD*

As part of the process, the Port of Moses Lake is prepared to provide detailed information once USBR issues its data request, supporting the development of a well-defined study scope.

The Port of Moses Lake recently secured a $500,000 Strategic Infrastructure Program award from Grant County to support continued study of the W20 Project. Additionally, CBCD intends to pursue a USBR Applied Science WaterSMART grant to leverage and build upon this local investment in support of the Moses Lake operational study.

Together, the Port of Moses Lake, CBCD, and our partners are committed to advancing this effort in a timely, coordinated, and thoughtful manner. We appreciate USBR’s early engagement and look forward to continuing collaboration as the operational study moves forward.

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available and as opportunities for stakeholder engagement arise.