Local residents may water lawns and splash in sprinklers this summer, but Douglas County agriculture could face parched conditions as river flows continue a six-month plunge. Despite a small boost in precipitation in March and April, state controls on agricultural irrigation are likely on the South Umpqua River and other tributaries early this summer, said Dave Williams of the Oregon State Watermaster's Office in Roseburg. Stream flows throughout the Umpqua basin are strikingly similar to 1977 levels, the worst year on record. Farmers and ranchers are forced to plan for a dry spell now to stay in business.
Irrigated pasture makes our business possible.
Otherwise, it's impossible and we would lose our contract to supply lamb to Portland and Seattle markets. Panner said her ranch relies on water from Galesville Reservoir, located 5 miles east of Azalea, when natural flows in Cow Creek drop below levels that permit legal irrigation from natural sources. Those with water rights dating from 1983, then 1974 and finally those with water rights dating from 1958 must turn off the pumps as natural water flows drop. Those with the oldest water rights have the highest priority. Williams emphasized that local agriculture needs to take advantage of water contracts now to avoid running out of water during summer's hot, dry months.