Created by Gareth Baldrica-Franklin, Institute for Water and Watersheds, Oregon State University
Total water used by county per day based on 2010 USGS estimates. Data are collected in terms of millions of gallons extracted per day. Counties with the highest levels of water use per day are typically areas where widespread irrigation is necessary. The daily average does not reflect how water use changes season-to-season, which is especially true in heavily irrigated areas.
2010 Total Water
Use in Mgal/day
500+
300 - 500
200 - 300
100 - 200
0 - 100
Hover over counties for details
Mining operations use water for the extraction, grading or processing of minerals or aggregates, as well as for construction and operations at mining sites.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Domestic water is used for human consumption, households, or domestic animals. Domestic water rights are sourced separately from municipal water utilities. Usage subcategories include applications for domestic landscaping, group use, and school use.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water for the production of agricultural products, excluding irrigation. Usages include water use for agricultural operations, sanitation, and maintenance at agricultural facilities. Some additional applications include dust control, flood harvesting, and animal waste management.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used for irrigation to grow crops and plants. This is primarily for agricultural purposes, but is also used for commercial gardens, golf courses and parks.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water for commercial and industrial purposes is used for the production or sale of goods or services. This can be used by private or public organizations. Water can be used specifically for the production of goods, or, more commonly, used to support the maintenance and operation of commercial facilities, such as hotels, stores, hospitals.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Recreational water rights allot water for fun and amusement. This can include boating, swimming, fishing, and the support of natural systems. This category includes water used by parks and recreation authorities for purposes other than watering plants.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used to produce electricity or mechanical power. In Oregon, this is primarily for the operation of hydraulic rams or water wheels, which are used to generate hydroelectricity.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used for aquaculture or the protection of fish habitats. Fish water rights are typically used in conjunction with instream rights.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used for the maintenance of livestock supplies. This is primarily directly used for livestock drinking supplies.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used for services provided by municipal organizations, typically in the form of water bureaus or authorities. Water from municipal providers can be used domestically, commercially, industrially, and for irrigation. Municipal water cannot be used for the generation of hydroelectricity.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Instream water rights are used within the channels of streams and rivers. They are used for temperature control, fisheries enhancement, and fish propagation. They can also be used for recreational support.
Surface Water
Water is used for maintaining wild species and habitats. These rights are typically maintained in wildlife preserves and parks.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water
Water is used for applications not outlined in the previous categories. Its two main sub-categories are fire protection and water storage. Other miscellaneous uses include road construction, pollution abatement, and forest management.
Surface Water
Groundwater
Stored Water