Water for Eastern Oregon Applauds New Federal Investment and Continued Progress to Protect Groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin

Water for Eastern Oregon (H2OEO) welcomes the announcement of $2.6 million in new federal funding to support continued groundwater research and protection efforts in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA).

The funding, secured by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, represents another important step forward in a decades-long effort to ensure safe, clean drinking water for communities in the region. This money will allow the Oregon Water Resources Department to deepen its understanding of groundwater nitrate contamination, local hydrogeology, and groundwater movement throughout the basin. These investments will strengthen the science needed to guide effective, long-term solutions for residents, farmers, and businesses who rely on groundwater every day.

“H2OEO wants to thank our Senators for being committed to this issue in the LUBGWMA,” said Justin Green, Executive Director of H2OEO. “We’ve talked a lot about the importance of everyone at the local, state and federal level working together to address this important issue and this funding at the federal level embodies that collaborative process.”

The federal investment includes:

·         $2 million to inspect existing wells and construct eight new groundwater monitoring wells at multiple aquifer levels, helping close data gaps across the basin.

·         $600,000 to complete a comprehensive groundwater analysis, including consumptive water use trends from 1985 to 2023.

H2OEO also recognizes the release of the State of Oregon’s first annual Nitrate Reduction Plan Progress Report, which highlights meaningful progress made through unprecedented collaboration among state agencies, tribal governments, counties, community organizations, residents, and the agricultural community.

In 2025, state agencies focused on practical, phased improvements to reduce nitrate risks while supporting continued economic activity in the region. These efforts included infrastructure upgrades, strengthened permitting oversight, expanded monitoring, and increased community engagement.

Equally important are investments in community trust and access. Expanded water sampling support, new grant opportunities for community organizations, and increased Spanish-language engagement have strengthened local partnerships and ensured more residents can participate meaningfully in solutions.

H2OEO emphasizes that elevated levels of nitrates in the groundwater are a complex issue affecting communities in the LUBGWMA. It developed over many years and will take time to fully address. The most effective path forward is continued source control, sustained monitoring, and long-term collaboration so that cleaner water can replenish groundwater supplies.

“We are encouraged by the progress reflected in this report and by the continued investment from federal and state partners,” said Green. “These efforts show real momentum, not just in data collection and compliance, but in how agencies and communities are working together with shared purpose. This is how lasting solutions are built.”

For more information and to read the full 2025 LUBGWMA Annual Report, click here.