What are the water conditions in Oregon at this point in March?
Conditions statewide are very dry and are quickly approaching conditions our state experienced in the 1977 drought. The snow pack is less than 50% of normal in most of the state. Our irrigation reservoirs are starting the growing season at about 50% of normal levels. Our forecasted stream flow for most of the state is approximately 50% of normal.
What are the anticipated water availability concerns for this summer?
If the current conditions persist, many irrigators will not have sufficient supply for their needs. Public water providers - cities, water districts, and others - will experience some shortages. Low stream flows will also mean problems for fish and other aquatic life. Recreational water users - boaters, fishers, and others - and our recreation industry will be impacted by low reservoir levels and low streams and rivers.
If we see a wet spring, will these concerns still be valid?
Yes, even with an above average rain season, we will experience drought related problems, but the degree of concern might be reduced for some such as agriculture producers, depending on intensity and timing of precipitation.
What is the state's plan to address the drought?
The Oregon State Drought Council - led by Oregon Emergency Management - has been activated, and will meet again on March 29. Our State Drought Plan, which is part of our state emergency action plan, has also been activated. As a result, State Drought Emergencies have been declared for Klamath and Baker Counties. The State will also consider drought declarations requests for Morrow, Sherman, and Umatilla counties when the Drought Council meets later this month. At that meeting, the Drought Council will also consider whether a statewide drought emergency should be declared and will make a recommendation to the Governor based on the most recent information.
What assistance is currently available in areas of declared drought?
In these areas, the Water Resources Department has the authority to issue emergency water use permits. Agricultural producers may be eligible for federal assistance if there are significant economic losses. Beyond these measures, our Drought Council is working iwth County Emergency Managers to provide any assistance we can during these drought conditions. We will continue to work closely with communities to pursue other options available under emergency authorities, as they are needed.
What is a state declaration?
The Governor has the authority to declare a drought emergency, either statewide or in affected counties, which allows OWRD to exercise emergency authorities like ordering conservation and curtailment activity from major water users. A state declaration is usually first requested by a county. When a request from a county is submitted, it is first reviewed by the Oregon Drought Council and then a recommendation is forwarded to the Governor’s office. Specifically, a state drought declaration directs the:
- Oregon Department of Agriculture to facilitate federal assistance to agriculture.
- Water Resources Department to coordinate and provide assistance as authorized by law.
- Oregon Emergency Management to assist and coordinate the state’s available drought assistance.
- All state agencies to coordinate and provide appropriate resources within existing authorities and budget limitations.
What is a federal declaration?
Counties often ask the Governor to request a federal drought declaration from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture which makes a number of avenues of federal assistance available, primarily to agricultural producers.
Does the Governor plan to issue a statewide declaration?
The Governor could move toward a statewide drought declaration, which is a recommendation the Drought Council will discuss on March 29. For now, the Governor has directed ODWR to continue working with counties, and identify ways we can help meet their needs in the interim.
What will a statewide declaration do for Oregonians?
A declaration will do several things, including:
- Make emergency water use options available statewide.
- Provide awareness of shortage to public.
- Provide statewide options for the Governor to require implementation of conservation and curtailment plans by state agencies and political subdivisions.
- Give impetus for local government conservation efforts.
Would a drought qualify for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration or Declaration of Emergency?
Generally, no. Major Disaster Declarations and Declarations of Emergency are for natural or manmade disasters that cause physical damage to public infrastructure and personal property. A secondary event, caused by drought conditions, might be eligible for some type of FEMA assistance. An example of this might be a major fire that threatens structures or impacts a community. Most, but not all, federal assistance is in the form of low interest loans to cover expenses, like the Small Business Administration’s program.
What is the Small Business Administration's Program?
Under certain conditions, a Governor can ask the Small Business Administration for a Economic Injury Disaster Loan. This loan makes low interest loans available to businesses that can show they have suffered an economic loss as a result of a natural/manmade disaster. Drought would be an event that could cause a loss of revenue to businesses that depend on water to sustain their business.
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