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On the Oregon coast, however, the issue of water supply has become paramount, especially given the need to restore instream flows in order to restore coastal salmon runs and meet water quality standards. With the ebb and flow of population and the economic growth of Oregon coastal communities, three hypotheses have been generated about the ability of these communities to meet future water supply needs. The purpose of this project was to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing coastal community water suppliers as a whole and to ultimately improve the prospects for meeting future water needs. Findings show that contrary to the first hypothesis, most of those interviewed do not think that economic development is constrained by waters supply. However, it does appear that it would be difficult for state economic development officials to match businesses and industries interested in relocating to the Oregon coast with community water supply availability and reliability. Findings also show that the major problem facing community water suppliers in preparing water management and conservation plans cited by interviewees is financial. Though Oregon’s coastal communities face several planning, management, physical, economic, and regulatory challenges in preparing for future water supply needs, numerous partnership, conservation, and research and training opportunities exist. What is needed is an opportunity for a facilitated process of restructuring water supply systems. |
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