Moses Lake Watershed Council Votes to Support W20 Project for Significant Water Quality Benefits

January 27, 2026 | Moses Lake, WA

On January 20, 2026, the Moses Lake Watershed Council hosted a presentation on the W20 Lateral Extension Project, delivered by Kevin Richards, W20 Program Manager for the Port of Moses Lake. The presentation highlighted the innovative ways the W20 Project will enhance water management in the Columbia Basin while delivering critical benefits to Moses Lake.

The Watershed Council voted to formally support the W20 Project, recognizing its potential to substantially improve water quality in Moses Lake. By bringing additional Columbia River water into the lake through the Columbia Basin Project’s West Canal via the W20 system, the project is expected to reduce phosphorus levels. Lower phosphorus concentrations are directly linked to decreased frequency and severity of toxic algae blooms, creating a healthier economy and ecosystem for residents, recreation, and wildlife.

“This project represents a win-win for the basin,” said Richards. “It not only strengthens municipal and agricultural water reliability but also brings measurable environmental benefits to Moses Lake and the surrounding communities.”

Members of the Moses Lake Watershed Council discuss the W20 Project at their January 2026 meeting.

Ron Sawyer, Chair of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, added, “The W20 project is exactly the kind of innovative, collaborative solution we need to protect the health of Moses Lake. Reducing phosphorus and improving water quality benefits everyone in our community.”

The W20 lateral extension project continues to gain momentum as local stakeholders come together to address both water supply and water quality challenges, demonstrating the power of collaborative, locally driven solutions.

View the Letter of Support