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Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Fish on the Run, Irrigation Done!

Fish on the run, irrigation done.  The yard sign says doing my part to keep water in the Clackamas River.

(August 11, 2021) — Currently we are experiencing a significantly dry summer and our area is classified as being in severe drought conditions by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The current conditions highlight the need for increased efficiency in water use, which lowers consumption and conserves our available water resources in the Clackamas River.

In addition to the Clackamas River providing drinking water to over 300,000 people, the river is home to migrating salmon and steelhead virtually year-round. Most of the year there is plenty of water in the river however, due to the lack of rain to replenish the river and higher temperatures this spring and summer, we anticipate this year the river flows may become extremely low in the early fall.

During the summer months our water use doubles or even triples, this is due mostly to outdoor watering.  With low river levels this year, saving water is even more important starting in late August as Fall Chinook and Coho Salmon begin returning to the Clackamas River on the way to their spawning grounds.

We are asking customers to participate in the “Fish On the Run, Irrigation Done!” annual summer watering campaign. This helps the River by reducing or shutting-off outdoor watering by the beginning of September for the fall Coho and Chinook fish migration.

Let’s make sure there is enough water for the fall fish runs by reducing or shutting off outdoor watering by September 1. Pledge to do your part and receive a yard sign to let your neighbors know you’re doing your part to keep water in the Clackamas River. 

For questions about the "Fish on the Run, Irrigation Done" contact Christine Hollenbeck at (503) 723-3511 or by email at christine@clackamasproviders.org.

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