Author: James Kraft, Executive Director
Mill Creek flows through Walla Walla in a concrete chute. It’s not a picture-perfect salmon stream. Follow Mill Creek into Oregon, however, and it regains its natural character. This section of the creek provides high-quality fish habitat and water for the City of Walla Walla and local farms.
Fish need this healthy headwater habitat and, unfortunately, Mill Creek suffers from low flows. As much as 50% of its flows may be taken for the City in the summer. There may only be a little water instream when Mill Creek reaches the Walla Walla River.
Mill Creek in low flow conditions.
WWT has partnered with the City of Walla Walla and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to restore Mill Creek flows since 2021. The City now uses aquifer-stored water in the summer instead of its Mill Creek diversion in Oregon. WWT leases their Mill Creek water to protect instream for fish.
We are excited to share that these restored Mill Creek flows are now the first protected across the Oregon-Washington border!
Washington and Oregon passed legislation—that WWT supported—to allow Oregon water rights to be protected into Washington. Before this new law, restored flows could only be protected from the City’s diversion to the Oregon border. Now, the water is protected in both states and provides vital flow for Chinook salmon, steelhead, bull trout, and other fish.
This milestone is thanks to our supporters and partners. It is just the start though. We must keep working to protect and restore Mill Creek flows and fish and we need help. Make a tax-deductible donation to Washington Water Trust today and help grow our impact in Mill Creek and rivers across the state!
All donations before Dec. 31 will be matched up to $15,000 to make twice the splash for local rivers and streams. Happy holidays!
