The Columbia Basin

The Columbia Basin is located in Central Washington and is home to some of the most productive agricultural areas in the entire Pacific Northwest. What was once a dry, hostile desert now provides some of the highest yields and highest quality crops in the nation, producing commodities ranging from apples to watermelon.

A Wet Beginning

The Columbia Basin, as we know it today, had its beginning over 10,000 years ago, when a huge ice dam in the panhandle of present-day Idaho created a 3,000 square mile lake into western Montana. When the ice dam broke, a huge wall of water approximately 200 feet high and traveling over 60 miles per hour carved a path through Idaho, Washington and into Oregon in just a matter of days. Many new river paths were formed and when the water receded, these ravines and countless columns of Basalt were left high and dry. The Columbia River made its way to the north and west of these arid scab lands. In time, the effects of erosion and wind deposited a layer of rich volcanic soil throughout much of the region.

Early Attempts at Farming

In the early 1900's, early homesteaders came to Eastern Washington in hopes of settling the area and producing a sustainable crop. Unfortunately, with an annual rainfall of less than 10 inches, their vision was doomed from the start. Some tried to develop irrigation supply systems, but it always proved too costly or difficult for a private venture. Most abandoned their farms and walked away.

The 'Grand' Idea

As early as 1902, congress began considering development of the arid regions of Eastern Washington for agricultural purposes, and formed the Bureau of Reclamation. For the next 30 years, many ideas where considered as possible solutions, but two in particular held the most promise. One group proposed bringing water from the Pend Oreille River in Northern Idaho through a series of canals and man-made tunnels. Another group proposed damming the Columbia River in an area known as Grand Coulee, and diverting the water through the ancient riverbeds formed during the great flood. Ultimately, the idea of damming the Columbia River won out and in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved the building of Grand Coulee Dam.  However, it wasn't until 1943 that the “Columbia Basin Project” was approved by congress, that would allow building the canals and infrastructure necessary to deliver water to the farms in the region; but because of World War II, the project was delayed and it wasn't until 1952 that the first water from Grand Coulee Dam reached approximately 66,000 acres of farmland.

Efficient Water Use

Today, 12 separate pumps siphon 2,000 cubic feet of water per second 280' from the Columbia River up to Banks Lake Reservoir above. In a given year, approximately 2.5 million acre feet of water are distributed for irrigation purposes. Additionally, through a series of drains and wasteways, approximately 1 million acre feet of water are returned to the Irrigation Project to be reused a second time before making its way back to the Columbia River. In comparison, while only 2-3% of the water from the Columbia River is diverted for the Columbia Irrigation Project, that water produces over $600 million in commodities and related value. Furthermore, the dams on the Columbia River produce over $900 million in electrical power and approximately $50 million in recreational use of the river. A pretty efficient use of water any way you slice it!

The Crown Jewel

Saddle Mountain Supply is headquartered in Royal City, a small rural community located in the middle of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. Royal City was incorporated on February 14, 1962 and it and the surrounding area are home to approximately 5000 people. Known for its friendly citizens and fertile soil, the Royal Slope carries the self proclaimed title of Crown Jewel of the Basin. Though well versed in the technology of the 21st century, the residents of the Royal Slope live by a code of conduct established from generations past. A solid work ethic and sense of community make Royal City a great place to live and work. In fact, you may notice when you visit that a warm smile, a firm handshake, and a friendly wave are all hallmarks of this Jewel of the Basin.