Oregon Water Stories: Lake 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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Exploring the Water Landscape of Lake County

Lake County is vast county in Southwest Oregon known for its lakes, forests, and agricultural landscapes. With a population of approximately 8,276 people spread across 8,275 square miles, the relationship between water, agriculture, and the local community is deeply intertwined. The watershed in this region supports a diverse array of species besides humans, including beavers, bears, wolves, waterfowl, and cattle. However, increasing drought conditions driven by climate change threaten these ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

The lakes in this region, such as Lake Abert and Goose Lake, are essential sources of water for irrigation, farming, and domestic use. Yet, shrinking water levels pose a serious challenge. Recognizing this issue, the county has been working to implement new infrastructures, including advanced water treatment plants, to maintain water quality and availability.

Marijuana Water Usage
One significant water challenge facing Lake County is the impact of illegal marijuana cultivation. The water demand for this crop is extraordinarily high—just one marijuana plant requires at least six gallons of water per day to survive (Lake County Examiner, 2022). Given the persistent drought conditions caused by rising temperatures and insufficient precipitation, this level of water consumption places strain on the local supply.

Although marijuana cultivation is illegal in the area, operations continue and drain precious resources. Law enforcement and county officials are actively investigating and shutting down these operations to protect the county’s water supply and preserve the surrounding environment. Studies conducted by the National Integrated Drought Information System indicate that Lake County is experiencing below-normal to critically low streamflow conditions, further exacerbating the crisis (NIDIS, 2023). The ripple effects extend beyond water scarcity—agriculture and livestock, the backbone of the county’s economy, are also suffering from extreme drought conditions.

Disappearing Keystone Species: Wolves and Beavers
Another critical issue is the loss of keystone species such as gray wolves and beavers. These animals play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list, regulate deer populations and contribute to the overall health of their habitat. Beavers, on the other hand, construct natural dams that improve water quality, trap essential nutrients, and create habitats for various organisms (Frank, J., 2023).

However, these species are being pushed out of their natural habitats due to expanding farmland and livestock operations. The absence of these keystone species disrupts local ecosystems and could lead to long-term environmental consequences. While removing cattle from large grazing fields could help restore balance, it presents a challenge for farmers whose livelihoods depend on livestock production. Finding a middle ground—where conservation and agriculture can coexist—is essential.

Potential Paths Forward
Despite these challenges, Lake County is actively working on improving water quality through the construction of new water treatment plants and better management of existing water wells (Jester, D., 2022). While drought conditions remain a pressing issue, increased community awareness and proactive measures can make a difference.

On a broader scale, addressing climate change and water conservation requires collective action. The efforts being made in Lake County reflect a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability. Local officials, conservation groups, and residents are coming together to find solutions that protect both the environment and the economy.

As we look ahead, there is hope that innovative water management strategies, stronger environmental policies, and community engagement will help mitigate the effects of drought and restore balance to Lake County’s ecosystems. By taking responsibility for our water usage and advocating for sustainable practices, we can help create a future where both people and nature thrive.