Deschutes Basin Deep Fossil Aquifer — Central Oregon
Deep volcanic aquifer beneath the Deschutes Basin in central Oregon. While the shallow aquifer receives modern recharge from Cascade snowmelt, deep confined zones in older volcanic formations (John Day, Clarno) contain fossil water with ages exceeding 10,000 years. Warm springs along fault zones discharge some of this deep water.
Overview
Deep volcanic aquifer beneath the Deschutes Basin in central Oregon. While the shallow aquifer receives modern recharge from Cascade snowmelt, deep confined zones in older volcanic formations (John Day, Clarno) contain fossil water with ages exceeding 10,000 years. Warm springs along fault zones discharge some of this deep water.
Additional Notes
Oregon Water Resources Department deep well logs. Deep volcanic fossil water.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 76/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextDense, low primary porosity — yields via fractures
Ancient water, no modern recharge — non-renewable on human timescales
Land Details
PrivateWater Rights
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- Requires continuous beneficial use
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Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 4, 2026Data is sourced from public and authoritative providers. Hi3 Water aggregates, normalizes, and scores records but does not assert ownership of underlying source data. Always verify critical details with the primary source before any decision.