Water Resources
Background
Central Oregonians rely on local rivers, streams and aquifers to supply homes, businesses, and farms with water. Creek and river corridors are some of the most ecologically important zones in the High Desert environment. Recreational activities such as rafting, fishing, and camping at mountain lakes draw thousands of visitors to the region every year.
The cities and counties of Central Oregon have an important role to play in managing the water resources of the upper Deschutes and Crooked river basins. Groundwater withdrawal, surface water diversion, wastewater discharge, stormwater management, land use planning, road construction and maintenance, and erosion control activities can all affect local water quality, water availability, and other public values.
COIC supports the cities and counties in maintaining clean, reliable water supplies; in preserving and enhancing water quality and aquatic and riparian habitats; and in complying with federal and state regulations such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
COIC has assisted Central Oregon’s cities and counties in improving stormwater management practices and accommodating the re-introduction of federally listed steelhead above Lake Billy Chinook through multi-jurisdictional projects that address issues faced by more than one local government.
These multi-jurisdictional projects allow individual cities and counties to coordinate their efforts for greater impact and more regional consistency. These projects provide significant efficiencies by allowing several jurisdictions to contribute small amounts of funding to a common project rather than having each jurisdiction do an individual project. Finally, working together helps local governments learn from each other by sharing best practices and can help them to develop a unified voice for policy purposes.
For more informaiton about water resources click on the following links:
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Deschutes County 541-923-2204
Crook County 541-447-3548
Jefferson County 541-923-4358
Watershed Councils
Crook County Watershed Council 541-447-8567
Middle Deschutes Watershed 541-923-4358
Upper Deschutes Watershed 541-382-6103
Irrigation Districts
Arnold 541-382-7665
Central Oregon 541-548-6047
Lone Pine
North Unit 541-475-3625
Ochoco 541-447-6449
Swalley 541-388-6058
Three Sisters 541-549-8815
Tumalo 541-382-3053
For more information contact:
Phil Chang, pchang@coic.org , (541) 5548-9534
