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Engaging the public

Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public. Water League works to engage the public in the stewardship of the water that is theirs.

In Oregon, the law states that Beneficial Use of the public’s water shall be the basis, the measure and the limit of all rights to the use of water in the state. The legal meaning of Beneficial Use is the reasonably efficient use of water without waste for a purpose consistent with the laws, rules and the best interests of the people of the state.

There is great work being done engaging the public and addressing the way their water is used by the largest water users; however, more must be done. Now, at a time of a once in 1,200-year megadrought, increasing aridification of the west, declining groundwater levels, and heating up surface waters, we’ve heard the public take notice, and we’re here to assist.

Water League Values

Integrity (principled moral honesty) — We believe in having the courage of our convictions to carry your views on how water should be used in Oregon.

Fairness (nondiscrimination and justice) — We believe in listening to the widely-arrayed public in all its variations to share their voices about how they want their water used today and in the future.

Stewardship (care and concern) — We believe in advocating for the welfare of your water for long-term posterity.

Conservation (reasonable use) — We believe in prioritizing the highest beneficial uses of your water to ensure such a precious resource is clean and remains abundant.

Perspective (relative importance) — We believe in preserving the countless ways your water brings meaning and prosperity to you.

Biospheric (environmental self-identity) — We believe we are water; we are not separate from it. Water is life, and to be compassionate to ourselves, we value our water as declared herein.

East Fork of the Illinois River

“What will we do when our water quality declines as water scarcity increases?”

We ought to create the reality we wish to experience more than participate in one created for us; the latter is what got us to where we are today.

Board of Directors

Water League’s board members are professionals who have worked for many years as engineers, scientists, managers, in the law, non-profit governance, and community engagement.

Executive Director

Christopher Hall has spent much of his career in the non-profit sector, as a farmer, author, and most recently as an advocate for the beneficial use of the public’s water through research and community organizing. He produced the Cannabis Impact Report detailing the industry effects to the Illinois Valley watershed and community.

Water

Water has been the basis for all life on earth for millions of years, cycling through the atmosphere, the oceans, the mountains, plains, rivers, and through all of us.