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Stopgap Columbia River Treaty Leaves U.S. with More Electricity, But Tricker Flood Management

A temporary update to the 60-year-old Columbia River Treaty has brought mixed consequences for both hydropower generation and flood risk management. While the U.S. stands to gain more electricity, the shift in flood management could pose challenges.

The U.S. Department of State announced last month a stopgap update to the Columbia River Treaty, a landmark agreement signed between the U.S. and Canada in 1964. The updated terms mark a significant shift in how water flows and electricity generation are managed along the Columbia River. The treaty, which has long shaped the region’s flood control and hydropower, expired in September, triggering the need for adjustments.

What’s Changed? A Shift in Responsibilities

Historically, the Columbia River Treaty outlined how Canada would manage flood risks by holding back significant amounts of water behind its dams each year. In exchange, Canada received a portion of the hydropower generated by the U.S. As a result, the U.S. shared roughly 50% of the electricity generated by hydropower operations downstream. This setup was critical in preventing annual flooding in cities like Portland and Vancouver.

The treaty’s flood control mechanism, which expired on September 16, 2024, required Canada to store nearly 3 trillion gallons of water each year to prevent flooding downstream. Now, with that section of the treaty no longer in effect, the flood control responsibility has switched to a real-time system. This means that while Canada is no longer obligated to preemptively store water, flood control will become more reactive and dependent on the specific situation at hand.

While this change gives Canada more flexibility, it also means that the U.S. will have to take on a greater share of the flood risk, particularly for communities located along the Lower Columbia River.

Columbia River Hood River Oregon sun breaking

A Financial Benefit, But at What Cost?

For the U.S., the updated treaty has its perks. The agreement allows the U.S. to retain an estimated $100 million worth of hydropower that had previously been allocated to Canada. The U.S. now keeps the full amount of electricity generated by the Columbia River, which could provide significant economic benefits.

Each year, the hydropower generated on the U.S. side of the Columbia River generates between $315 million and $461 million, depending on annual conditions. While the exact impact of the treaty change on hydropower revenues remains to be seen, the U.S. stands to gain more electricity for its grid, providing a boost to energy production and supporting industries that depend on stable energy supplies.

However, the new flood management structure introduces complexities. With the responsibility for flood risk management falling more heavily on the U.S., state and federal agencies will need to invest in more advanced forecasting and infrastructure to prevent major floods. Communities along the river—especially in flood-prone areas—could face greater risks without the prior flood control measures.

Downstream Consequences: Hydropower, Ecosystems, and Costs

While hydropower generation might get a boost, the long-term impact on the ecosystem and the environment remains uncertain. The change in flood control means the river’s flow will be managed differently, potentially affecting both water quality and ecosystems along the river’s path. Fish species that rely on the river’s flow, particularly salmon, could experience disruptions in their migration patterns.

Furthermore, the change could increase flood-control costs for the U.S. As river managers adjust to a more real-time system, additional infrastructure and systems may be required to mitigate potential flooding. These costs, still largely uncalculated, could add significant financial burden to the U.S. over time.

In addition to the environmental concerns, flood management and hydropower depend on long-term planning and stability, but the transition to this new system may introduce challenges for river managers in the years ahead.

  • The U.S. now keeps all the hydropower generated by the Columbia River, worth up to $461 million annually.
  • Canada’s role in flood control has shifted from a preemptive to a reactive approach.
  • Flood management now relies on more real-time decision-making rather than advance planning.

What Lies Ahead?

The new treaty terms raise critical questions for both the U.S. and Canada. While the U.S. stands to benefit from more electricity, the full implications for flood control, hydropower generation, and environmental health will take time to become clear.

With both nations balancing their economic interests with the region’s environmental needs, it’s likely that the Columbia River Treaty will undergo further adjustments in the future. As communities along the river navigate the shifting dynamics, the lessons learned from this stopgap agreement will influence future water-sharing agreements in North America.

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