Umatilla County Declares Urgent Drought Amid Severe Water Shortages

UPDATE: Umatilla County has officially declared a drought, significantly impacting local agriculture and water supply. During a regular meeting on March 4, 2023, the county commissioners approved the declaration following a staff report from emergency manager Sage Delong. The report indicates that a moderate drought now encompasses the entire county, with nearly half classified under severe drought conditions.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the eastern side of Umatilla County is experiencing the most severe impacts. Delong’s report emphasized that ongoing seasonal deficits are jeopardizing soil moisture, runoff potential, and the overall water supply outlook. Local farmers and ranchers are bracing for a challenging year as the region faces below-normal precipitation levels, further exacerbated by a concerning snowpack that is currently between 15% and 45% below median levels.

The implications of this drought declaration are immediate and severe. If conditions persist, not only will agricultural operations be affected, but municipal water supplies may also face restrictions, increasing the risk of wildfires. Delong noted, “These conditions persist despite recent precipitation,” pointing to a troubling trend that could worsen without intervention.

By declaring a county-wide drought, Umatilla County is paving the way for the governor to potentially declare a state of emergency. This move would unlock crucial resources for farmers and ranchers, facilitating access to federal funding and enhancing partnerships with state agencies. County Commissioner Dan Dorran stressed the importance of this declaration, stating, “As long as the declaration is endorsed by the state, it allows for federal funding for agricultural producers,” which could be vital for sustaining local operations.

The governor’s decision on the emergency declaration is expected within the next two weeks, leaving farmers anxious about their water portfolios as they prepare for the growing season. Local water expert JR Cook, founder of the Northeast Oregon Water Association, revealed that the drought declaration could expedite water transfers from the Columbia River, crucial for alleviating pressure on the region’s groundwater system. “The declaration just makes it easier and quicker for the state to get the water we have to the most valuable crops,” Cook explained.

Despite the early timing of this declaration, Cook emphasized the necessity for farmers to understand their water situation amid the ongoing drought. With less than half of the average snowpack, even ideal spring conditions may not suffice to replenish vital resources. He stated, “I do not anticipate us not needing this declaration,” highlighting the dire outlook for the upcoming agricultural season.

With escalating input costs driven by global factors, including the ongoing conflict in Iran, farmers are already facing significant challenges. Cook warned that the combination of low crop prices and high operational costs could make this one of the most difficult years for agriculture in decades. “We’re too far along to not see major impacts,” he said, underscoring the pressing need for proactive measures.

As the situation develops, Umatilla County’s efforts to enhance its water supply system over the past decade are now being put to the test. Cook noted that significant investments in aquifer storage and recovery initiatives have built some resilience into the regional water system, stating, “If we did not have those this year, we’d be in really bad trouble.”

As residents and officials await the governor’s decision on the emergency declaration, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With farmers and ranchers relying heavily on water resources to sustain their livelihoods, the community is poised for a challenging year ahead. Continuous updates will be necessary as the drought impacts unfold, shaping the future of agriculture in Umatilla County.