Umatilla County Declares Urgent Drought Amid Water Crisis

BREAKING: Umatilla County commissioners have officially declared a drought following an unusually dry winter, impacting farmers, ranchers, and residents. During a meeting held on March 4, 2023, county emergency manager Sage Delong reported that the entire county faces moderate drought conditions, with approximately half experiencing severe drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor confirms worsening conditions, particularly on the eastern side of the county. Delong emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “These conditions persist despite recent precipitation and reflect an ongoing seasonal deficit impacting soil moisture, runoff potential, and water supply outlook.”

With snowpack levels reported to be 15% to 45% below median, the outlook for irrigation and municipal water supply is grim. If the drought continues, it could exacerbate wildfire risks in the region.

The declaration enables the governor to consider a state of emergency, unlocking critical resources for affected farmers and emergency management. County Commissioner and Board Chair Dan Dorran noted, “As long as the declaration is endorsed by the state, it allows for federal funding for agricultural producers and increases state agency partnership.” Dorran anticipates a decision from the governor regarding the emergency declaration within the next two weeks.

Local water expert JR Cook, founder of Northeast Oregon Water Association, highlights another crucial aspect: the declaration facilitates water transfers from the Columbia River, which is vital for maintaining groundwater levels. “The declaration makes it easier and quicker for the state to get the water we have to the most valuable crops,” Cook explained.

Farmers in Umatilla County are eager to understand their water availability as they face a challenging growing season. With less than half of the median snowpack, Cook asserts, “There’s no realistic way to make up the shortfall. Even if we had a really wet spring, that doesn’t allow you to catch up on snowpack.”

The situation is compounded by rising input costs due to global factors, including the ongoing war in Iran, which has escalated the prices of fuel and fertilizers. Cook pointed out the dire implications for agriculture, stating, “We’re too far along to not see major impacts. This is probably one of the worst perfect storms for agriculture we have seen for decades.”

Despite these challenges, the region has been proactive in developing a sustainable water supply system over the past decade. Cook remarked, “You can’t plan for a drought year the year it happens. That’s why we’ve been building these regional systems. If we did not have those this year, we’d be in really bad trouble.”

As Umatilla County faces this urgent drought situation, farmers are bracing for a tough year ahead. With the possible state emergency declaration, producers hope for a lifeline to better navigate their growing season amidst these unprecedented challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.