UPDATE: Umatilla County has officially declared a drought following an alarming report that reveals severe water shortages affecting local agriculture. The declaration was approved by the county commissioners during their regular meeting on March 4, 2024, in response to a significantly drier winter than normal.
According to county emergency manager Sage Delong, approximately 50% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions, with the eastern side of the county particularly hard-hit. This urgent situation arises as the region faces ongoing deficits in soil moisture and water supply levels.
“Despite recent precipitation, drought conditions persist, impacting our agricultural community and water availability,” Delong stated in his report. The U.S. Drought Monitor echoes these concerns, indicating that current snowpack levels are 15% to 45% below median averages, which raises alarms about irrigation resources for the upcoming growing season.
“This is probably one of the worst perfect storms for agriculture we have seen for decades,”
warned local water expert JR Cook, founder of the Northeast Oregon Water Association. He emphasized the potential for reduced municipal water supplies and heightened wildfire risks if drought conditions continue.
The declaration allows the governor to consider a state of emergency, unlocking crucial resources for farmers and ranchers. County Commissioner Dan Dorran noted that this could enable federal funding for agricultural producers and facilitate better coordination among state agencies. “We expect the governor to make a decision about the emergency declaration within two weeks,” Dorran added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Farmers are particularly anxious as they prepare for the year ahead. With low snowpack and high input costs driven by global events, including the conflict in Iran, the agricultural landscape in Umatilla County is under severe strain. “Farmers want to know what their water portfolio will look like for the coming year,” Cook stated.
The declaration aims to expedite water transfers from the Columbia River, helping to mitigate the impacts on the region’s groundwater, which Cook refers to as a “lifeline.” He argues that the proactive measures taken now are crucial for preserving the most valuable crops despite the looming drought.
While the initiatives to enhance the water supply system have been in place for years, the community still faces significant challenges this growing season. The collective efforts to improve aquifer storage and recovery are aimed at building resilience, yet the current crisis demands immediate action and support.
As Umatilla County navigates this critical situation, the community is on high alert, awaiting further developments. The implications of the drought declaration are profound, affecting not just local farmers but the entire region’s economy and food supply. Residents and stakeholders alike are encouraged to stay informed as the situation evolves and to advocate for assistance as needed.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as the county seeks to address these pressing water challenges.
