Case Studies

These case studies are a snapshot of those presented during Oregon Water Vision Community Conversations and are examples of the innovative work that communities across the state are doing for Oregon’s Water Future.

Irrigation Modernization Program

Farmers Conservation Alliance works with irrigation districts and the farmers they serve to plan, design, and fund modernized irrigation water delivery systems; from closed pipes, to fish screens, to hydropower in the ground, this program realizes agricultural, environmental, and economic benefits for rural communities.

Photo by Aaron Hewitt

Value of Water in North Santiam Watershed

To engage business leaders and stakeholders in the Mid Willamette Valley, the North Santiam Watershed Council in partnership with the Oregon Business Council contracted ECONorthwest to develop a “Business Case” for investing in projects that promote watershed resiliency. Stakeholders are using this business case, which places an economic value on water originating in the watershed, as a tool for decision-making and strategic planning.

Photo by North Santiam Watershed Council

Place-Based Integrated Water Resources Planning

Place-based integrated water resources planning is a collaborative and integrated approach to water supply planning where place matters and diverse water interests partner with the State of Oregon to collectively chart a path towards a better water future that balances current and future instream and out-of-stream water needs for communities, the environment, and the economy.

Photo by Oregon Water Resources Department

Seal Rock Water District office building, photo by Pete Eckert

Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Investments in Advanced Metering Infrastructure allow the Seal Rock Water District to track residential water usage. State-of-the-art technology reduces carbon emissions by taking meter readers off the road, can detect and stop leaks earlier, and will help residents monitor daily water usage so they can improve their efforts to conserve.

Photo by Pete Eckert

Crooked River Wetlands Complex

Facing large residential growth in 2004, the City of Prineville invested in a wastewater treatment wetland to expand the communities waste water capacity using natural infrastructure. This project reduced local water rates, and created several new recreational and educational opportunities, all while improving conditions in the Crooked River.

Photo by City of Prineville