5 results for tag: groundwater

New Groundwater Rules APPROVED!

Big news for the future of groundwater in Oregon! On September 12, 2024, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) unanimously voted to adopt updated rules to how the state manages groundwater allocation. This important milestone has been a long time in the making. OEC — along with other member organizations in the Oregon Water Partnership — served on OWRD’s Rules Advisory Committee for over a year to craft these changes. The new rules will ensure more sustainable groundwater use for our state moving forward, while protecting existing surface water rights and domestic well users. We applaud OWRD’s decision. Water is the most essential ...

Make Your Voice Heard for the Future of Oregon Groundwater!

When you think about water in Oregon, you might think about the Rogue River, Pacific Coast or Malheur Lake. However, some of the most important bodies of water in our state aren't visible to the naked eye: they're under our feet. Almost 90% of our state’s public water systems rely at least in part on groundwater ecosystems. Snow and rain collect into aquifers made of underground layers of sand, fractured rocks and other permeable materials, forming the groundwater so crucial to Oregon communities. Right now, big changes are on the horizon for Oregon groundwater. You can help protect this vital resource for all Oregonians. Submit written public ...

Help inform a smarter water future

This week, Oregon’s water resources commissioners will discuss how to address our water challenges. Speak up today to make sure they hold the department accountable for protecting Oregon’s water future.

OEC Celebrates Scientists: Amy Patton

“Clean water is a naturally renewable resource. However, once contaminated, it becomes very hard to get back to a usable state. Our clean water is so valuable, and protecting it must be a priority.”

What you should know about well water

If you are like more than 70% of Oregonians, some of your drinking water comes from wells and other groundwater sources. Approximately 23% of Oregonians rely on private wells as their primary source of water – to drink, to bathe in, and to cook their food. Yet this valuable water source can become contaminated. Earlier this month the Medford Mail Tribune took a deep look at one such contaminant affecting Jackson County: arsenic. Jackson County is not alone. Similar problems exist across the state, but for years state agencies have not had the resources to monitor groundwater quality, so there is little information about the extent of the ...