Investing in Our Water Future
Many areas of Oregon are known for clean and reliable water. As identified in Oregon’s
Integrated Water Resources Strategy, some of the forces that combine to place significant stress on Oregon’s water and water systems include:
- Climate change and associated increases in temperature, wildfire, drought, damaging floods, and harmful algal blooms;
- A half century of underinvestment in built and natural water infrastructure;
- Our changing population and associated development – growing in some areas, shrinking in others; and
- Too much demand for too little water for in-stream and out-of-stream uses.
These factors impact the quality and quantity of water for our communities, including water in our rivers, lakes, oceans, reservoirs, and aquifers. Simply put, if we are not willing to roll up our sleeves and work together to invest in the ecosystems that sustain us along with built and natural water infrastructure, we place the safety of our communities, the health of our people and environment, and Oregon’s economic future at risk.
Call to Action
Oregon’s limited water supplies are already being shaped by climate and population changes. We must both act now and plan for the long term. How we choose to care for our water will determine if we pass a legacy of clean and sustainable water to future generations.
Events
Future events will be posted here.