Oregon Water Stories: Josephine County

Oregon Water Stories is a project of PSU Professor Melissa Haefner’s freshman inquiry class, running from 2018 to present. The goal of the project is to gather stories from around the state of Oregon that relate to the modern relationship between humans and water. Haefner’s 2023 class wrote profiles on various Oregon counties that explored the different water challenges being tackled around the state. The following profile from one of Haefner’s students has been abridged and revised, with permission, for sharing here.

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Josephine County is in Southwest Oregon near the coastline and home to 90,000 residents. With a positive population growth rate of 0.6% in 2023, the majority of its population identifies as White (91.31%), followed by those of two or more races (4.95%) and Native American (1.13%). Josephine County faces challenges concerning water management. From pipe infrastructure issues to wildfires, invasive species, along with innovative water conservation efforts, the county exemplifies both the struggles and resilience of communities navigating environmental pressures.

A Troubled Infrastructure

Water infrastructure issues have caused substantial disruptions in Josephine County. In Grants Pass, a water main break spilled 1.58 million gallons, leaving roughly 7,000 customers under a boil water advisory for two days. Such breaks not only waste valuable resources but also introduce the risk of bacterial contamination. These incidents underscore the need for robust investments in maintaining and upgrading water systems.

Wildfires and Their Lingering Effects

Wildfires also pose concerns for water quality. Labeled as an “extreme risk” area by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Josephine County has seen devastating fires like the 2022 Rum Creek Fire, which burned 11,700 acres and tragically claimed a firefighter’s life. Beyond the immediate destruction, wildfires contaminate water supplies, with studies detecting toxic compounds like benzene in drinking water systems following fires. While state initiatives such as grants for wildfire preparedness and training programs for young forest stewards offer hope, wildfire prevention and recovery remain critical challenges.

Floods: Past and Present

Flooding has left its mark on the county, most notably during the catastrophic 1964 Christmas flood, which devastated homes and infrastructure. More recently, heavy rainfall has prompted flood watches, reminding residents of the ongoing risks. Floodwaters often carry debris and pollutants, further threatening water quality and safety.

Environmental Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems

Josephine County’s aquatic ecosystems face dual threats from cyanobacteria and invasive species. In Lake Selmac, cyanobacteria blooms prompted health advisories, while fish deaths in 2017 and 2018 highlighted the fragility of local water bodies. Invasive species like zebra mussels and gypsy moths exacerbate these challenges, damaging water systems and native forests. Campaigns such as “Don’t Move a Mussel” aim to curb these threats by encouraging community action and awareness.

Hope Through Innovation

Amid these challenges, Josephine County is pioneering sustainable solutions. Rainwater garden projects are being implemented to capture and store rainwater, replenishing natural aquifers and mitigating flood risks. By restoring parts of the water cycle, these gardens serve as a model for climate resilience.

Water is life, and protecting it requires collective effort. Through innovation, education, and advocacy, we can work together to safeguard our most precious resource. Whether it’s supporting local conservation projects, advocating for sustainable policies, or simply being mindful of our water use, every action counts. Let’s commit to a future where clean, safe water is accessible to all—a future we build together, one drop at a time.