In mid-2019, the water delivery system on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation failed spectacularly. Burst pipes and broken water pumps combined to shut down the system, leaving around 3,800 residents of the area without safe drinking water for months on end. After nearly four years, progress is being made.
In the Media
The New Yorker – How Native Americans Will Shape the Future of Water in the West
Tribal nations hold the rights to significant portions of the Colorado River. In the increasing drought, some are showing the way to sustainability.
The Oregonian – Report says Oregon needs coordinated water-management plan
Communities across Oregon cannot access reliable clean water, and the state doesn’t have a coordinated plan to address the problem, according to an advisory report from Secretary of State Shemia Fagan.
The Bulletin – Crook County declares drought emergency for fourth straight year
Crook County has declared a state of drought emergency for the fourth consecutive year. The measure was taken so that its residents can tap into state funds to alleviate the financial burden brought on by the exceptionally dry conditions.
The Bulletin – U.S. Fish and Wildlife could face lawsuit over spotted frog protections
A plan to protect the Oregon spotted frog in the Upper Deschutes River lacks teeth to be sufficiently effective.
The Bulletin – North Unit modernization project promises water saving for farmers, rivers
A long-awaited modernization project in the North Unit Irrigation District received approval last week from federal regulators, a positive step for district patrons who have faced multiple years of water shortages.
East Oregonian – Projects in Umatilla, Morrow counties to get $11M funding boost
More than $11 million in federal funding is coming for six projects in Umatilla and Morrow counties, including $1.7 million to address drinking water contamination of private wells.
Bend Bulletin – No evidence of mass die-off from reduced water levels in Crooked River, biologist says
Fish stranded in the Crooked River during a reduction in water flow in September were easy meals for predators, but concerns that a mass fish die-off would occur were not observed.
The Oregonian – Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, OSU scientist says. What should gardeners use instead?
The harvesting of peat moss used by gardeners and the nursery industry to improve drainage and retain water in soil contributes to climate change, according to an Oregon State University Extension Service soil scientist.