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How to Create a Resilient Curtailment Plan for Unexpected Water Shortages
Oregon and the surrounding western states are currently in what is expected to be one of the worst droughts on record. This period of dryness has actually been occurring for several years now and not expected to let up.
The leading contributors to this drought are ever-rising temperatures and lack of precipitation, which includes low snowfall during the winter months. Since Oregon relies on snowpack in the winter to feed streams and rivers during the summer months, this year's below normal snowpack and earlier melt-out are expected to reduce spring runoff, stressing municipal water supplies. Having a curtailment plan in place is more important now than ever before for municipal water systems in Oregon.
The best curtailment plans for municipal water systems will employ monitoring data from the following:
For municipal water systems creating a curtailment plan is only as resilient as the monitoring data that triggers it. This can include:
- Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) Current Water Conditions which includes statewide drought and water supply condition reporting, streamflow, and seasonal outlooks;
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Drought.gov page;
- The US Drought Monitor; and
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conversation Service's drought page.
In order to create a resilient curtailment plan that complies with Oregon Administrative Rule chapter 690, division 86, you need to do the following:
- Define the possible shortages you may experience (ex. drought, equipment failure, contamination) and how long they could last;
- Document any previous deficiencies within the last 10 years;
- Have at least 3 stages of alert ranging from notice of potential curtailment to critical.
- Example – Stage 1 advisory, stage 2 moderate curtailment, stage 3 severe curtailment;
- For each stage of curtailment, define the following:
- The trigger or measurable condition that causes each stage;
- The actions that occur (operational changes and possible changes for customers); and
- The targeted demand reduction;
- Draft standby actions (for example; No outdoor irrigation or irrigation during specific hours);
- Establish authority and rapid decision mechanics (who declares each stage and what approvals are required);
- Be sure to define how this information will be communicated to customers (website, billing inserts, social media, radio); and
- Coordinate with neighboring water systems or intertied systems.
Be sure to review your curtailment plan annually and update after any curtailment plan activation. Document what was effective and what was not. A resilient and effective curtailment plan is ultimately about predictability and readiness so that when an emergency does occur, a water supplier can move quickly and effectively to protect public health and maintain essential services.
For more information about how to create a resilient curtailment plan, contact the Municipal Water Management and Conservation Planning Team via email at wrd_dl_wmcp@water.oregon.gov.
Last Updated 3/13/26