Water Quality

One focus for the Upper Willamette SWCD is to address water quality concerns as it relates to humans, fish, habitats and agriculture.

Drinking Water

The Upper Willamette SWCD partners with the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to landowners residing within the states’ designated Groundwater Management Area to address ground water quality affected by levels of high nitrates.

Fish and Habitat

The District staff work with near-stream landowners to enhance riparian areas by installing native trees to provide stream shade, and native shrubs to provide habitat for insects to enhance the aquatic food supply. The District staff also conducts in-stream fish habitat projects such as large wood and boulder placement, as well as culvert replacement to increase stream passage.

Agriculture

In conjunction with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the District office serves as the Local Management Agency for the Agricultural Water Quality Area Management Plan. These plans are developed by agricultural representatives to demonstrate how agriculture is addressing water quality concerns that arise from agricultural activities conducted on their land. These plans are the agricultural sector’s response to the Clean Water Act. District staff provide landowners technical assistance and administrative support to the two local advisory committees designated in the District’s boundaries.

If you are interested in more information about implementing projects, project funding opportunities or addressing resource concerns for your property, please contact the District staff.