Sunday, Jan 30 2011 7:34PM
Oregon's Umatilla County is in need of additional water storage space.
Residents of Oregon's Umatilla County are in need of additional water storage space along the Umatilla River Basin in order to satisfy the needs of local farmers and laborers, according to the East Oregonian.
Despite rumors that the organization was disbanding, the newspaper reported that during a public meeting, Luke Maynard, the president of the Oregon Water Coalition, said the group will continue educating locals on regional water issues this year.
During a meeting of the coalition, deputy director of the Oregon Water Resources Department Tom Paul said the Umatilla River currently does not have enough water in the summer to provide for the water needs of the rural community.
The agency currently regulates the use of about 24 hydraulic wells along the river to preserve senior water rights, usually beginning in May or June, according to the article. While the limit allows wheat growers to irrigate their crops, hay growers usually do not receive the water necessary for an ideal harvest, which reduces the amount of paid work available].
Oregon is in need of more water system services to provide for the needs of its residents. A recent survey by the U.S. Census discovered that access to water is pressing in some areas of the state, as more Oregonian's lack access to indoor plumbing facilities now than 10 years ago.