| Agency Overview: Oregon's Water |
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Oregon's water serves many beneficial uses
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The soggy winter and spring climate of northwest Oregon has given the state a reputation of water abundance. However, this perception obscures an important fact: each year the state´s water supply falls far short of the demands placed on it. In dry years the shortages can be dramatic, leading to extensive crop losses, forest fires, damage to fish runs and disruption of the economy.
In 1909, the citizens of Oregon authorized the state government to manage the allocation of surface water. In 1995, the Oregon Legislature added ground water management. Under these laws (the "Oregon Water Code") all surface and ground water belongs to the public. It is the job of the Water Resources Department to manage this water for the protection of existing water uses, the environment, and future needs. The Department works to ensure a sufficient supply to meet the needs of Oregon´s growing economy and quality of life.
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