Place-Based Water Planning (PBWP) is a voluntary, locally led, and collaborative process that brings together an area’s water interests to develop a holistic understanding of the area’s water resources and plan for a water future that promotes and sustains a healthy economy, environment, and society. Upon completion, state-recognized Place-Based Water Plans: identify actions that help meet current and future instream and out-of-stream water quantity, quality, and ecosystem needs; aid state agencies in identifying and considering regional priorities; and provide a platform for continued collaboration to solve complex regional water issues.
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and other state agencies provide guidance, funding, and technical assistance to place-based initiatives to bring interested parties together, develop and update plans, and coordinate plan implementation. Place-Based Water Planning is part of Action 9.A in Oregon’s 2025 Integrated Water Resources Strategy.
The Place-Based Water Planning (PBWP) Handbook provides
guidance for Place-Based Water Planning in Oregon. It is an essential
resource for communities considering PBWP and for Planning
Collaboratives engaged in developing and implementing Place-Based Water
Plans. The Handbook describes why PBWP is important, identifies best
practices, and outlines the process, content, and structure required to
receive OWRD grant funding for PBWP and to gain state recognition of a
completed Plan. It reflects the evolution of Oregon’s Place-Based Water
Planning program
and incorporates lessons learned from past planning efforts, agency
collaboration, and public engagement. The Handbook is grounded in Oregon
Revised Statutes 537.872–537.873 and Oregon Administrative Rules
690-602. It was developed with input from state natural resource
agencies, Tribes, and the public.
Learn More: A video introduction to Place-Based Water Planning is available from a webinar recorded on March 25, 2026.
Placed-Based Water Planning Grants
Place-Based
Water Planning Grants support place-based initiatives to bring
interested parties together, develop and update place-based water plans,
and coordinate implementation of state-recognized plans. The 2026 Solicitation Cycle is now open. Applications are due on July 2, 2026. Please visit the Place-Based Water Planning Grant Information Page for more information.
Place-Based Integrated Water Resources Plans
Since 2015, four Planning Collaboratives across Oregon have developed and adopted state-recognized Place-Based Water Plans and are currently implementing those plans. For more information about state-recognized plans and their implementation, visit the links below.
- Harney Community Based Water Planning Collaborative: Webpage | Plan
- Lower John Day Place-Based Partnership: Webpage | Plan
- Mid-Coast Water Planning Partnership: Webpage | Plan
- Upper Grande Ronde River Water Resources Partnership: Webpage | Plan
Place-Based Water Planning Document Archive
- Independent Evaluation of the Place-Based Water Planning Program
- State-Supported Regional Water Planning and Management Workgroup
OWRD provided updates every six months during the pilot phase to track programmatic and place-based accomplishments.