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Columbia Plateau Deep Basalt Fossil Aquifer — Central Washington

Grant, Washington, USA

Deep Grande Ronde basalt aquifer in the Columbia Plateau of central Washington. The deepest basalt interflows contain fossil water with minimal modern recharge. Significant water level declines (over 100 feet) in the Odessa Subarea from irrigation pumping. USGS studies confirm pre-modern water in deep zones.

80Grade A
High Value
Private
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Overview

Deep Grande Ronde basalt aquifer in the Columbia Plateau of central Washington. The deepest basalt interflows contain fossil water with minimal modern recharge. Significant water level declines (over 100 feet) in the Odessa Subarea from irrigation pumping. USGS studies confirm pre-modern water in deep zones.

Water Source Data

Asset TypeFossil Water
Flow Rate700 GPM
Seasonal FlowNo (perennial)
Depth1,500 ft

Water Intelligence Score Breakdown

Total: 80/100
Flow RateGeologicalLegal RightsSustainabilityRarity
Flow Rate
Yield & consistency
22/25
Geological
Formation quality
15/20
Legal Rights
Rights clarity
18/20
Sustainability
Long-term viability
10/20
Rarity
Scarcity premium
15/15

Risk Assessment

Overall: High(60/100)
Dry-up Risk
High
27/40

Source depletion probability

LowCritical
Legal Risk
Medium
16/35

Rights & regulatory exposure

LowCritical
Environmental
Medium
8/25

Contamination & ecosystem risk

LowCritical

Drought Conditions

0
No Drought
DSCI: Drought Severity & Coverage Index (0-500)
0100200300400500

Geological Intelligence

Formation & aquifer context
Rock Type
Igneous
Igneous and metamorphic rock

Dense, low primary porosity — yields via fractures

Aquifer Type
Fossil
fossil

Ancient water, no modern recharge — non-renewable on human timescales

Formation
Grande Ronde Basalt
Basin
—
Elevation
—
Region
—

Land Details

Private
Acreage
—
Asking Price
Not listed
Buildable
Unknown
Zoning
—
Parcel ID
—

Water Rights

Unverified

Prior Appropriation

First in time, first in right

Rights are established by historical beneficial use. Senior rights holders receive full allocation before junior holders, regardless of land ownership.

  • Seniority date determines priority order
  • Requires continuous beneficial use
  • Can be severed from land and transferred
  • "Use it or lose it" — abandonment risk
Common in western US states (CO, MT, WY, ID, NV, UT, AZ, NM, OR, WA, CA)• Asset location: Washington

Disclaimer: Water rights information is provided for research and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rights status, seniority, transferability, and enforceability vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a licensed water rights attorney and verify status with the relevant state water resources agency before any acquisition or use decision.

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Data Sources & Attribution

Updated Apr 6, 2026
Primary Source
hi3_fossil_water_research

Data 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.

Data Quality

Silver Quality
Gold = Field verified + lab tested
Silver = Reported + partial verification
Bronze = User reported
Unverified = Pending review

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