With the abundant rainfall we have in the Pacific Northwest, it is sometimes difficult to understand why we need to conserve water. As our communities have grown, our water needs have also grown. To make sure that we have water when we need it; to reduce the cost of developing new supplies; to leave more water in the rivers for fish and recreation; and to make sure you get your money’s worth; we all need to use water wisely.

Water conservation is something that we should all practice. Except for the air we breathe, water is the single most important element of our lives. It is too precious to waste. Regardless of the availability of water now and in the future, we must get the most out of our current supply. Not only is conservation the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do from a natural resource perspective.

South Fork Water Board Conservation Efforts

South Fork Water Board began its conservation efforts in 1996 when it joined with other regional water providers to make up the Columbia Willamette Water Conservation Coalition, which is now the Regional Water Providers Consortium. Since then, regional water provides have been working together to further the role of water conservation and efficient water use region wide.  For more information about the Regional Water Providers Consortium and regional conservation efforts visit www.conserveh2o.org.

South Fork enhanced its water conservation program in 2001 by hiring a Water Environment Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing conservation programs for the Cities of Oregon City and West Linn. In 1997 when South Fork became a member of the Clackamas River Water Providers the decision was made to expand the conservation program establish by South Fork to all the other members of the Clackamas River Water Providers thereby achieving cost saving and program consitency over all municpal water providers in the Clackmas basin.

Water conservation alone cannot ensure an adequate water supply but it plays a continuing role in our long-term resource strategy. And all of these small changes can add up to big savings. For more information about the South Fork’s Conservation Program through the Clackamas River Water Providers, please call (503) 723-3511 or email at Christine Hollenbeck at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .