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Agencies Working to Develop Workplan for Integrated Water Resources Strategy
Have you heard of the state of Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS)? It provides a statewide inter-agency framework for better understanding of and meeting Oregon’s in-stream and out-of-stream water needs. The Oregon Water Resources Commission adopted the state’s first IWRS in 2012, and the second in 2017. In 2023, Oregon Revised Statute 536.220 was amended to require the IWRS be updated every eight years.
Fourteen state agencies have been working together during the summer of 2026 to develop a 2027- 2029 IWRS workplan. Part one identifies expected agency efforts related to interagency priorities outlined in Appendix E of the 2025 Strategy. These priorities, identified by agency leadership and Governor Kotek’s Office, include acting with urgency to protect instream and out-of-stream uses, assisting the state and communities to prepare for water scarcity, and adapting to water scarcity by stretching available water supplies. Part two of the workplan identifies anticipated agency efforts that align with the strategy goals, objectives, and actions, as outlined in Appendix D of the 2025 Strategy, which include improving Oregon’s understanding of its water resources and the pressures affecting water needs and supplies.
A draft of the IWRS workplan can be found here: Draft 2027 - 2029 IWRS Workplan. Subsequent to a public review and comment period that ended in late June, agencies are working to finalize the 2027 - 2029 IWRS workplan throughout July and August and submitting the final draft to the governor’s office by the end of August 2026. The participating agencies are currently implementing the 2025-27 IWRS workplan and will prepare a progress report at the end of the biennium to highlight accomplishments.
The Integrated Water Resources Strategy helps guide state agencies to collaborate in streamlining, strengthening, and improving water resources protection in Oregon. With water appearing more frequently in the headlines, Oregonians are becoming increasingly aware of the fragile balance that exists. As concerned Oregonians, city leaders are invited to follow along on progress at Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy - OWRD.
Last Updated 8/14/26