Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy
Adopted in 2017, the Integrated Water Resources Strategy is a statewide framework for better understanding and meeting Oregon’s water needs now and into the future. Building upon the State’s first water strategy from 2012, this 2017 Strategy identifies a suite of recommended actions aimed at instream and out-of-stream water needs, including water quantity, water quality, and ecosystem needs.
Place-Based Integrated Water Resources Planning
Four places are currently undertaking integrated water resources planning at a basin or watershed scale. This new planning program builds upon the goals and objectives of the Integrated Water Resources Strategy.
Water Management and Conservation Planning
These locally developed plans guide the development and implementation of practices and programs of water providers to ensure sustainable use of water resources. Water Management and Conservation Plans are reviewed and approved by the Water Resources Department.
Federal Basin Studies
The Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers are important federal partners who also work on water issues in Oregon. The Water Resources Department has been a financial and/or technical partner in multiple basin studies that examine water supply challenges and solutions.
Planning Grants
The Department has been a funding partner for various water planning efforts across Oregon since 2008. Although the Department does not currently have funding to support new water planning efforts, planning continues to be an urgent need at the state, local, and user levels.
State-Supported Regional Water Planning and Management Work Group | HB 5006
The Oregon State Legislature passed a law in June 2021 that directed Oregon Water Resources Department to "develop a framework and path for state-supported water planning and management at the water region and/or basin level, considering regional water management opportunities that build on the 100 Year Water Vision and further the goals of the Integrated Water Resources Strategy." This legislation also directed Oregon Consensus to provide process design, development and facilitation role for the effort.
Oregon Consensus is a program housed at the Mark Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University and serves as a public policy alternative dispute resolution service for Oregon governments and communities.