Help shape Oregon’s 5-Year Water Strategy

Take the survey for our water future

Learn more about the project timeline from Oregon.gov

Every five years, Oregon develops an inter-agency plan for water use across Oregon. This Integrated Water Resource Strategy (ISWR) manages water resources with a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of water management. This strategy considers the needs of rivers, fish, wildlife, farms, and people.

The ISWR is currently gathering public input for the 2023 update.

Our big priorities

Surface water

The Deschutes Basin faces challenges in maintaining sufficient instream flows to meet the needs of both our rivers and farmers. To tackle these issues, we must change our water management practices within the Basin. Some examples include:

• Supporting the piping of main canals and private laterals is crucial as part of a suite of management actions to reduce waste and restore stream flows. 

• Additionally, LandWatch advocates for voluntary, market-based solutions that can quickly and equitably distribute water and restore stream flows in the Deschutes Basin. 

• Finally, the rampant water waste in the Basin needs to end—we need water managers to establish clear definitions and enforce waste regulations. 

• An increase in the number of flow and temperature monitoring gauges throughout the basin can support all of these goals, enhancing reporting mechanisms and enforcing water usage and waste control.

Groundwater

LandWatch supports the Oregon Water Resources’ rulemaking process to modernize its groundwater allocation policy, introducing a rule to better protect senior water rights holders and sustainably manage groundwater. This means denying permits for new wells where groundwater is over-appropriated or where there is a lack of data on the impact of a new permit.

We emphasize the importance of funding and completing studies to enhance our understanding of groundwater resources and their impact on surface water in different locations within the basin. These studies play a crucial role in informed decision-making and effective management of our water resources.

Take the survey by June 15 and help shape a water strategy that prioritizes stronger protections for instream flows and improved management of groundwater. Your valuable input will help safeguard the well-being of our rivers, fish, and farmers.