Studies & Publications

Current Studies

At the 2009 LWV of Oregon biennial Convention, members voted to continue one study for 2009-10 and adopt an update for 2010-11.

Click a link to read the scope of each study. If you are interested in joining a study committee, contact the LWV of Oregon. Study reports will be published and available to the public at the end of the program period. For more information about studies, see LWV Studies.

Water Resources of Oregon

Adopted 30-Month Study for 2007-2010

Update, February 2009:
The study committee and action team responded to a survey by Oregon's Water Resources Department about integrating water management. Read our responses (4 pgs; pdf).

Update, January 2009:
A volunteer committee of interested members with varying expertise in water issues has been studying Oregon's water resources since the summer of 2007. They are preparing two reports from their research and interviews about water issues.  Part 1, Water in Oregon, Not a drop to Waste, Regulating Water in Oregon, is now available and presents a concise review of the current Oregon laws and regulations for water resources and water quality, including an examination of who owns the water, regulation of surface and ground water, monitoring water quality, drinking water regulations, land use and water, and water conservation. 

Part 2, Water in Oregon, Not a Drop to Waste, Water Issues, will focus on the current and emerging issues surrounding water quality and quantity such as climate change, status of infra-structure, conflicting demands of water users, and water laws, including the Endangered Species Act.  Research on these topics will include travel and interviews with officials and residents outside of the Willamette Valley during the Spring and Summer of 2009, and a draft report prepared in the Fall of 2009.  Review, editing and publication is scheduled for Spring of 2010. Again the report will be available in print, electronically and as a CD.  A discussion PowerPoint will also be developed. Local Oregon Leagues may offer public meetings to review the issues.

TITLE: Water Resources of Oregon

LWVOR will study the water resources of the state, where they are and how they are used; the study shall reflect the interrelationship between quantity and quality with particular consideration of the relationship between water and land use planning; the scope of the study shall include but not be limited to the scopes outlined in the recommended update proposals [as compiled and updated below].   This study will take up to 30 months. 

SCOPE: Undertake a 30-month update which will focus on but not be limited to the following areas:

1. Oregon Water Law, which is based on the doctrine of “prior appropriation.”
2. The pricing of water and the economic impact of current law.
3. Strategies and options under current law to promote conservation.
4. Legislative changes needed to manage water for the benefit of the public.
5. The interdependence of land use planning and water planning.
6. Funding the costs of water management.
7. The current state of water quality in Oregon’s rivers and estuaries.
8. Trends in laws, regulations, and enforcement.
9. The impact on water quality of urbanization, forest practices, manufacturing, agriculture, water levels, and treatment processes.
10. Coordination between government and non-government agencies and programs.
11. Legislation and funding needed to achieve clean water in rivers and estuaries.
12. Strategies for educating the public.

Based on this research, determine if changes in the wording of water resources positions are necessary.

OUTLOOK FOR WORK: A state committee would undertake a study of the allocation and management of water resources, water quality, pollution sources, and laws and regulations as described in the scope.  Study reports would be produced by the end of the first year or the beginning of the second year of the study.  If based on its research the committee finds that the existing positions need to be revised, it would propose consensus or concurrence questions for Board and membership consideration during the second year of the study.  This study would be coordinated with an update of the Water Quality position and the Water Policy and Planning position.

Update of Coastal Management (and Offshore)

Adopted 12 month update for 2010-2011

SCOPE: The study update would include the formation of a state study committee that would review the current position and research and educate members on marine reserves and energy projects on/in Oregon’s coastal areas. The outcome would lead to a report informing members. Consensus questions would lead to a position statement that could be integrated with the League’s current position on Coastal Management (and Offshore) issues.