REDMOND, OR -- The city of Redmond intentionally flooded a portion of the Dry Canyon this week. Assistant City Engineer Lindsey Cromsigt says it was necessary to test a new drinking water well near the dog park, "The new well is really needed to support the city’s growing water demand and provides capacity and redundancy for our water system. So that testing was conducted per state requirements."

Cromsigt tells KBND News, "To test the well, we had to run a constant rate test, as required by the state. So we were pumping 3,500 gallons per minute out of the well for a 12 hour period." She adds, "We’re really excited that the well performed per the expectations and we’re going to be able to produce the water needed to meet our city’s growing demand."

However, that testing resulted in as much as three feet of flooding in some areas north of the disc golf course, "So, the paved walking paths in the Dry Canyon are open and the disc golf course will reopen shortly after this weekend. However, the dirt walking trails between the West Canyon Rim entrance and the disc golf course will remain closed until further notice, as we re-evaluate the restoration needed in that area." Cromsigt hopes the water will soak back into the ground naturally, but says if it takes too long, they'll bring in pumps to get things cleared. She expects dirt trails to reopen in a few weeks. "We do ask that residents respect the trail closures and stay off the dirt paths until the signs and barricades are removed from the area; and just continue to use those paved path areas, in the meantime."

Despite those barricades and signs, visitors have been seen walking through water, "We ask that people do not walk through muddy or swampy areas because those muddy conditions will further hinder our progress and make the restoration take a longer period of time." Cromsigt says, "Walking in muddy conditions only further deteriorates the dirt trails that we are trying our hardest to preserve. So, by letting the water dry out and letting the conditions return back to normal, that’s when we can have our most effect doing our restoration plan."

This is the first time the Dry Canyon has been used for such an operation. The city’s last new well - its eighth - was developed in southwest Redmond, and crews used a nearby canal to catch water pumped out during testing. 

Because more infrastructure is needed, Redmond's ninth well isn't expected to be operational until late 2026.