Oregon simply is not Oregon without clean, abundant water.
We all need reliable access to cold, clean water to sustain healthy communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Right now, Oregon is facing rising water insecurity that will only worsen with a changing climate. Action is necessary to ensure sustainable supplies for all that rely on this vital resource. Download our Oregon Water Priorities handout PDF.
Our Priorities
Build Resilience for Oregon’s Future
Investments in environmental drought resilience to lessen the impact of future droughts and help Oregon leverage federal dollars for watershed health.
Modernizing transfer statutes to safeguard streamflows from harm when old water rights are changed for new uses.
Bring Water Data into the 21st Century
Investment in science and technology to quantify water supply, instream and out-of-stream water needs, water consumption, and opportunities for conservation and efficiency to ensure sustainability.
Funding for state agencies for staff and equipment to support increased water data collection, management, integration, and accessibility.
Protect and Restore Our Waters
Increased instream protections including the adoption of more instream water rights, support for voluntary instream transfers and leases, and designation of new state scenic waterways.
Investments in nature-based approaches to expand our natural water storage capacity, improve water quality, increase disaster resilience, and benefit fish and wildlife habitat.
Support Smart Water Management
Modernizing groundwater management to achieve sustainable use of Oregon’s aquifers and protect groundwater dependent ecosystems.
Equitable protection for communities and ecosystems to help our most vulnerable communities adapt to a changing climate, and ensure our most resilient habitats can persist.
Water insecurity may ultimately threaten the environmental and economic well-being of the entire state.
2023 Oregon Secretary of State Report: State Leadership Must Take Action to Protect Water Security for All Oregonians