Water Program

Although freshwater habitats cover a small fraction of Oregon, they contain an incredible proportion of its biodiversity. Unfortunately, these habitats and Oregon’s iconic fish and wildlife that depend on them are at risk. Humans have greatly changed freshwater systems to take advantage of the many benefits they provide, but in doing so, have degraded habitats to the point that many no longer function properly. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these issues. The Water Program science and policy staff are involved in a variety of actions to help protect and restore freshwater systems for all Oregonians to enjoy, now and in the future.

Water Program Priorities

Flow Protection

Pursue instream water rights and other mechanisms to legally protect water instream for public benefit.

• File instream water rights on behalf of Oregon’s fish and wildlife to be held in trust by the state
• Support conversion of expiring hydropower water rights to instream water rights
• Support conversion of remaining minimum perennial streamflows to instream water rights
• Secure resolution of protested instream water rights
• Support regional partners on voluntary flow restoration projects

Science and Prioritizations

Establish instream flow needs and develop priority areas for flow protection and restoration.

• Conduct instream flow studies to develop ecological flow targets
• Identify the state’s cold-water resources
• Conduct real-time flow and temperature monitoring in priority areas
• Identify priority locations for instream transfers and leases and other voluntary flow restoration efforts

Minimize Impacts from Water Development

Ensure effective and consistent application of ODFW’s Mitigation and Climate Policies to water and hydropower development.

• Engage with regulatory agencies to ensure consideration of fish and wildlife needs in water right and hydropower processes

Further Water Solutions

Communicate relevant, science-based information on instream needs to facilitate development and implementation of water solutions.

• Participate in collaborative water planning and implementation processes to secure balanced solutions for water management
• Communicate instream flow needs and priority areas for flow protection and restoration
• Engage in water quality processes to protect fish and wildlife

Innovative Climate Solutions

Implement climate solutions and policy changes to facilitate protection of priority habitats and build species resiliency to climate change effects.

• Protect cold-water resources
• Increase pace and scale of voluntary flow restoration
• Advance real-time water temperature monitoring and forecasting

For more information about the Water Program, please contact Acting Program Manager Spencer Sawaske.