Creating and Expanding Water Supply - PNWS-AWWA

Creating and Expanding
Water Supply
An Oregon Perspective
Phil Ward
Director
www.wrd.state.or.us
Why Does Oregon Care?
ƒ Historically “wet” state
ƒ Maybe we shouldn’t this year…
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We Are Water Short
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Always have been
Most precipitation outside the growing
season
ƒ Surface water fully allocated in summer
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We Are Water Short…
ƒ Ground water is showing significant stress
We Are Water Short…
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Not meeting instream needs
Climate change is looming
Need is both East and West sides
Precipitated significant recent legislation
What Is Oregon Doing?
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Supply Plan Survey
Led to OWSCI
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Demand survey
Storage opportunity inventory
Conservation opportunity inventory
Basin yield analysis
Local planning grants--$$
Data foundation for long-term plan
What Is Oregon Doing?
ƒ Senate Bill 1069 (2008 Session)
– Water supply feasibility grants
ƒ $1.75 million
– Umatilla Basin Aquifer Recovery Project
ƒ $750 K
– Nowhere is need greater
ƒ 300’—500’ declines/15% of permitted use
– Test feasibility of large scale recharge
ƒ Planning and Feasibility $$ - new tools
What Is Oregon Doing?
ƒ Governor’s H20 Initiative
– For 2009 Session
– $$ for Supply, Quality, Conservation, Health and
Habitat
– Dedicated Fund Source
– Part of Climate Change Initiative
Final Thoughts
ƒ Big things ahead regarding Water Supply
– Climate change increasing the urgency
ƒ Need for interstate collaboration
ƒ Oregon committed to data driven approach
ƒ Long term plan/strategy on its way!
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