This summer feels different. With climate change, reduced snowpack, and the likelihood of a longer, hotter dry season, more people are asking: What are we going to do?
In the Pacific Northwest, summer drought isn’t unusual—it happens every year. We typically receive little to no rainfall during the summer months when water use is at its highest. Our primary source, the Clackamas River, depends almost entirely on winter snowpack and rainfall. When that natural storage is lower or melts earlier, river flows drop—especially in late summer.
Unlike other drinking water sources in the Portland metro area, we don’t have large upstream reservoirs to draw from. The hydroelectric system operated by Portland General Electric on the Clackamas is “run-of-river,” meaning water flows through the system rather than being stored for later use. Locally, our only stored supply is limited to in-town water reservoirs and tanks.
That’s why the Clackamas River Water Providers (CRWP) are once again launching the annual “Fish on the Run, Irrigation Done!” campaign now in its eighth year and encouraging all customers to participate.
This seasonal effort asks residents to significantly reduce or stop outdoor watering by the beginning of September, supporting the fall migration of Coho and Chinook salmon, both of which are threatened or endangered species. These fish rely on healthy stream flows for their journey upstream.
Why It Matters
- Less outdoor watering = more water in the Clackamas River
- Supports salmon survival and river ecosystems
- Helps mitigate impacts of drought and climate stress
- Promotes sustainable water use for people and wildlife
Whether you use a hose or an underground irrigation system, your actions can make a difference. The CRWP is offering:
- Conservation rebates
- Free landscape water audits
- Technical assistance
- Water-saving tips for inside and outside the home
Take Action Today:
- Visit the Campaign Webpage
- Take The Pledge
- Read Conservation Articles
- Encourage neighbors to join the movement
Together, let’s protect our water, support salmon, and build a more resilient community.
When you shut off your faucets, we stop taking water from the river.
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