Water
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Environment
What’s a soil and water conservation district? And does Multnomah County still need one?
We vote for soil and water conservation board members every couple of years, but a lot of us may not know what they do. A farming family in Troutdale explains how one district changed their lives.

Oregon DEQ again fines Port of Morrow for wastewater violations
The Port of Morrow will again have to pay a fine for violating a permit that outlines how it can apply nitrogen-rich wastewater from food processing plants and other manufacturing facilities as fertilizer on irrigated farm fields.

Irrigators, tribes and local officials push back against state proposal to curb groundwater crisis in Harney Basin
The coalition, organized under state Rep. Mark Owens, recently filed a petition asking the Oregon Water Resources Commission to consider a different set of rules that diverges from regulators own proposals to curb over pumping in the region.
$3 million every 2 months: Salem gets update on drinking water treatment costs
At a City Council meeting Monday, councilors will receive a supplemental report that offers more information on drinking water treatment challenges the city can expect in years to come.

In search of source for Crook County well pollution, Oregon presses mining company to investigate itself
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she wants agencies to work with 'greater urgency' to get answers for residents.

Oregon towns work to buy their drinking watersheds, even if it takes generations
Neskowin, Reedsport, Rockaway Beach, The Dalles, Port Orford and Rhododendron will split $5 million to start buying their local watersheds.

Eastern Washington’s rapidly declining groundwater highlighted in new study
The Washington State University study evaluated groundwater levels throughout the Washington portion of the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System, which spans areas of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Health
Sweet Home plans to soon remove fluoride from public water supplies
In a recent city council meeting, some residents and one councilman suggested the issue be put before the voters, but the mayor said constituents had asked the council to make the decision.
What to know about Salem’s water emergency and what’s being done to prevent it
A look inside the Salem water treatment facility at the heart of a major regional conversation.

Oregon Congressional lawmakers react to Salem water emergency
Sen. Ron Wyden is among the lawmakers pushing for protecting endangered salmon, while also prioritizing safe and clean drinking water for local residents.