REDMOND, OR -- Oregon's Water Resources Commission has unanimously approved a rule change that will make it harder for new development to get groundwater rights. Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch has opposed the move for months, but admits the state had to do something, "Because there has been an effect, particularly through climate change, on our water resources. We're getting less precipitation, higher temperatures and it does have an effect. I don't think what they did was correct." Among other things, the change means aquifer capacity is part of the determination for a new groundwater permit.
Fitch, who also chairs the Central Oregon Cities Organization, fought the rule change over concerns it will limit the water available for future development. But he believes revisions are coming, "Over the past four or five months, we've been working with the Governor's office and with Water Resources, recognizing that they're going to adopt this rule. But also with the understanding that we will be working together after adoption of the rule to address particularly the need of municipalities to have access to water in the future, so we can fulfill our requirements under state and federal mandates." He tells KBND News, "I think there's a consensus, with both Water Resources and the Governor's Office and our legislative delegation, that that makes a lot of sense. So I'm very optimistic that we will accomplish that over the coming months."
He wants a water policy that makes sense for all cities, "That's where 90% of our population resides, that's where 80% of our economic activity is. So, we need to plan for the future and make sure that we have sufficient water, and the water we do use is used in the best, efficient manner possible." Fitch says that conversation starts next week, with a meeting between the League of Oregon Cities, Water Resources and the Governor's Office.
For now, Fitch says his city made an agreement with the state to make sure there's enough water for a few decades, "We also have a current application to transfer some surface water rights out of the river into groundwater, and I think that will be successful."
