State of Water Justice in Oregon

State of Water Justice in Oregon Report

This report summarizes the available data, research, and media accounts of water infrastructure challenges affecting frontline communities in Oregon.

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Building on the interviews conducted by the Oregon Water Futures Collaborative in 2020, the State of Water Justice in Oregon report expands the base of evidence demonstrating how frontline communities are impacted by Oregon’s water challenges. It draws from a range of sources to paint a picture of what is meant by “water justice” in Oregon, and helps set the stage for further development of strategic priorities to address these challenges.

This report focuses primarily on issues related to drinking water and sanitation infrastructure due to the readily available data and studies on these sectors; however, this is only one pillar of water justice in Oregon. The report examines eight issue areas through an environmental justice lens based on existing studies and media coverage that help paint a picture of how Oregon frontline communities experience water resources. The issues covered are:

  • Failing infrastructure impacting frontline communities and where lack of reliable access to a sink, shower or bath, and toilet are daily challenges for Oregonians;

  • How safe and acceptable drinking water quality impacts communities of color and renters in Oregon;

  • Lead in schools, daycares, and public buildings;

  • Affordability of drinking water for Oregonians;

  • Struggles for small water systems and mobile home parks;

  • Challenges for low-income private well and septic owners or renters;

  • Water access in workplaces; and

  • Threat multipliers of climate change and extreme weather.

There is limited understanding at the state level of water insecurity risks and potential interventions to mitigate those risks in Oregon. Findings of this and other research on water justice point to structural barriers in Oregon’s water management system that may slow the state’s progress on advancing water justice. This points to the need for more focused analysis and coordination to address the breadth of water justice challenges facing Oregonians.

Lead Author

  • Stacey Dalgaard, Oregon Environmental Council