Press Release Issued August 9, 2023
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners declared a drought emergency on August 2, 2023, and will be asking Governor Tina Kotek to do the same, which would make more tools and resources available to those affected by drought conditions.
Low streamflows and hot, dry conditions were the ultimate drivers of the declaration. These conditions are likely to have significant economic impacts on the farm, forest, recreation, and natural resources sectors. They also put stress on our drinking water supplies and increase the potential for wildfires.
Because of this, the Mid-Coast Water Conservation Consortium (Mid-Coast Water) encourages the Lincoln County community to take action to reduce water waste:
- Restrict irrigation to the evening hours or early mornings.
- Minimize or avoid washing cars and boats.
- Minimize or avoid washing outdoor surfaces such as pavement, decks, fences, and buildings.
- Position your sprinklers so that they water your plants, not pavement.
- Cut back lawn watering to once a week, if at all.
- Delay draining/filling pools and hot tubs.
- Fix indoor leaks.
- Check with your water provider about the availability of free water conservation items.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads only.
- Minimize your shower time.
Some water providers may need to implement their water curtailment plans in response to drought conditions to reduce demand on their stressed water supplies. Businesses and residents should pay attention to messages from their water providers in the event that water curtailment is necessary.
Visit midcoastwater.org for more drought information and water conservation tips or contact your local water provider.
About Mid-Coast Water
Mid-Coast Water is a group of water providers on the Mid-Coast working together to promote water conservation to improve resiliency to droughts and water supply emergencies and to increase coordination among water providers on the Mid-Coast. For more information about Mid-Coast Water, contact Suzanne de Szoeke at 541-257-9006 or sdeszoeke@gsiws.com.