Oregon Groundwater Association urges Josephine County to submit comments on state rulemaking

Kevin Gil, legislative co-chair of the Oregon Groundwater Association, told the Josephine County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that important state rulemaking on water distribution, enforcement and exempt-use wells is underway and asked the board to submit public comment by June 26.

Gil said much of the water in Oregon is used by permitted irrigation wells and that 55–60% of Josephine County residents rely on domestic (exempt) wells, making the rulemaking particularly relevant locally. He urged county involvement to avoid a "one-size-fits-all" approach that would not account for basin differences and asked staff to help circulate talking points and a submission link.

Commissioners asked for written materials and requested staff add a county letter to the business-session agenda so the board could formally submit comments into the Water Resources Department record. Gil said the association had prepared a model letter with its lobbyist and would provide materials electronically.

Commissioners also asked staff to research related items, including reports that Applegate Dam removal work was advancing, and asked for follow-up information on potential irrigation impacts. The board scheduled a brief review at the weekly business session so members can consider formal comments and public outreach.