The group of six who accidentally floated to Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River near Bend were in inner tubes tied together and included a Texas woman who had just celebrated her 40th birthday and a 33-year-old woman from Florida, authorities said Tuesday.

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says two women are dead following an accident at Dillon Falls. On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff’s office says a group was swept over the falls on the Deschutes River, about 10 miles from Bend.

The Oregon Legislature has passed House Bill 3806, approving pilot water bank authorities in the Deschutes Basin. "This legislation marks a significant step forward in helping Central Oregon expand more flexible and efficient water management to support farms,