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Twin Lakes In The Methow Valley From The Air

La Grande, Oregon — October 2025Union County is officially in the grip of a state-recognized drought emergency, declared by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on August 4, 2025, through Executive Order 25-18. This decision followed a local emergency proclamation by the Union County Board of Commissioners in response to alarmingly dry conditions across our region.According to the latest Oregon Water Conditions Report, more than 50% of Union County is experiencing Severe Drought (D3), while the rest remains under Moderate Drought (D1) status. Reservoirs like Phillips Lake are well below normal storage levels, and streamflows in the Grande Ronde River and its tributaries have dipped significantly, falling below 10% of normal in some areas.<h3>Who is Affected Right Now?</h3>👨‍🌾 Farmers &amp; Ranchers The agricultural backbone of Union County is bearing the brunt. With irrigation allocations reduced or unavailable, farmers are facing shortened growing seasons, stressed crops, and limited hay production. Ranchers are already selling off livestock due to poor forage conditions and rising feed costs.🌽 Private Well Owners &amp; Rural Communities In outlying areas not served by La Grande’s municipal system, private wells are beginning to feel the pressure. Lowered water tables and increased drawdown have led to intermittent flow issues and dry wells in certain zones.💡 Natural Ecosystems Rivers and creeks are warmer and shallower, threatening local fish populations. Cold-water species like salmon and steelhead are unable to migrate or spawn in current conditions, putting long-term fish populations at risk. Riparian zones are also shrinking, affecting birds and terrestrial wildlife.🚒 Emergency Services The wildfire risk has escalated dramatically. Union County is now operating under high fire alert status, with dry forest and range conditions increasing response demands and hazard exposure.<h3>What Happens If This Continues?</h3>The long-term implications of this drought are sobering:🐟 Fish &amp; Wildlife Collapse Without adequate streamflows, fish kills will become more frequent. Migratory birds and deer may be pushed into more urban areas or suffer from food and water scarcity.🌾 Agriculture Contraction If conditions persist, more farmers will be forced to idle fields or leave the profession entirely. Crop diversity will decline. Local food systems may see shortages or price spikes.⛰️ Groundwater Overuse With surface water unreliable, pressure shifts to groundwater. Over-extraction can lead to aquifer depletion, land subsidence, and legal conflict among water right holders.🚛 Development Pressure New homebuilding and commercial expansion may be slowed or blocked due to water scarcity, especially in rural zones. Property values could decline in at-risk areas.🌍 Environmental Degradation Drought accelerates forest die-off, reduces carbon sequestration, and contributes to local warming, creating a self-reinforcing feedback loop.<h3>Where Do We Go From Here?</h3>Union County must lean into climate resilience strategies. This includes:<ul><li>Expanding water reuse and conservation technologies.</li><li>Supporting farmers in drought-adaptive crop choices and soil health.</li><li>Investing in municipal and rural water infrastructure upgrades.</li><li>Restoring natural systems to buffer ecological damage.</li><li>Enhancing community awareness and preparedness.</li></ul>La Grande and Union County residents may not all feel the impacts today—but the signs are clear, and the consequences will grow more visible over time. It’s time to prepare, adapt, and respond collectively.Resources &amp; Further Information:Oregon Drought Dashboard: https://apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/WR/drought_dashboard/ Union County Updates: https://unioncountyor.gov/ U.S. Drought Monitor: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu &nbsp; Prepared by: Aetervaja, Public Benefit Nonprofit Mission: Advancing sustainable water innovation for humanity first, community and ecosystem health.

Union County Faces Deepening Drought Crisis in 2025: What It Means for Our Community

Earth planet with city lights in the dark side

Water is one of the most essential and misunderstood resources on Earth. We drink it, grow food with it, generate power from it, and build communities around it. But in many parts of the world—including right here in the United States—water is becoming harder to manage due to drought, population growth, and climate change.Luckily, we’re not flying blind. NASA has developed powerful satellite tools that help us see and understand how water moves across the landscape. These tools don’t just watch rivers or clouds—they can tell us how wet the soil is, how much groundwater lies beneath our feet, and how fast water is leaving plants and soil through a process called evapotranspiration.This post explains how three of NASA’s Earth observation missions—SMAP, GRACE-FO, and Landsat 8/9—help communities, farmers, utilities, and governments make smarter water decisions.<h3>&nbsp; 1. SMAP – Mapping Soil Moisture from Space</h3>SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) is a space-based moisture meter that scans the Earth every few days to measure how wet or dry the top layer of soil is.Why It Matters:<ul><li>Farmers can plan irrigation more efficiently.</li><li>Emergency managers get better wildfire and flood risk data. (Shout out to our hardworking Wildfire responder buddy Larry in La Grande, OR!)</li><li>Meteorologists improve weather predictions. (What's harder to predict than weather?)</li></ul><h3>2. GRACE-FO – Detecting Hidden Water Changes</h3>GRACE-FO measures changes in Earth's gravity field to estimate underground water, snow, and surface water.Why It Matters:<ul><li>Water managers across industries can track groundwater loss.</li><li>Policymakers (local &amp; state especially) use it for sustainable water policy.</li><li>Scientists or interested parties measure long-term water trends. &nbsp;<h3>3. Landsat 8 &amp; 9 – Measuring Evapotranspiration and Vegetation Health</h3>Landsat satellites track how much water is leaving the landscape through evapotranspiration.</li></ul>Why It Matters:<ul><li>Farmers monitor crop water needs.</li><li>Water agencies understand usage patterns.</li><li>Conservationists identify stressed vegetation. &nbsp;<h3>What This Means for You!</h3>Whether you're a student, farmer, planner, human or simply water-curious, NASA Earth observations:<ul><li style="">Helps homeowners conserve water</li><li style="">Support smarter farm decisions</li><li style="">Improve local drought management</li><li style="">Influence national and global policy</li></ul></li></ul>Aetervaja is planning on working to bring these tools into hands-on use with modular water reuse systems and smart dashboards for agriculture. NASA satellites are helping all of us make better water decisions. Thank you NASA Scientists, Researchers, Leaders and Funding that makes this all possible!<h3>&nbsp; References (ALA Format)</h3><ul><li>National Snow and Ice Data Center. “Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Data.” NSIDC.org. <a href="https://nsidc.org/data/smap" data-mce-href="https://nsidc.org/data/smap">https://nsidc.org/data/smap</a></li><li>NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “Water Storage.” GRACE-FO.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/science/water-storage" data-mce-href="https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/science/water-storage">https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/science/water-storage</a></li><li>Senay, G. B., et al. “Evaluating Landsat 8 evapotranspiration for water use&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;in the Colorado River Basin.” Remote Sensing of Environment, 2016.</li><li>Kim, Y., et al. “Global estimates of daily evapotranspiration using SMAP&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;surface and root-zone soil moisture.” Science of the Total Environment,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2023.</li><li>Drought.gov. “Groundwater and Soil Moisture Conditions from GRACE&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Data Assimilation.” https://www.drought.gov/data-maps&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;tools/groundwater-and-soil-moisture-conditions-grace-data-&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;assimilation</li><li>NASA Science. “Landsat Missions.” <a data-mce-href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/" href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/">https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/</a></li></ul>

Seeing Water from Space: How NASA Satellites Help Us Understand and Manage Water in a Changing World

Aerial view of modern water cleaning facility at urban wastewater treatment plant. Purification process of removing undesirable chemicals, suspended solids and gases from contaminated liquid

IntroductionWastewater treatment is essential for protecting public health and preserving the environment. As of 2025, treatment methods encompass a broad spectrum of technologies, ranging from conventional municipal systems to innovative, decentralized, and industrial-specific solutions. These methods can be categorized into six core strategic stages, which encompass the majority of treatment approaches used globally.Core Categories of Wastewater Treatment1. Preliminary TreatmentDesigned to remove large debris and grit, this initial stage protects equipment and optimizes downstream processes. Common methods include bar screens, grit chambers, and flow equalization basins.2. Primary TreatmentThis stage targets the removal of settleable solids and floating materials through sedimentation tanks and skimming. Chemical coagulation may be added to enhance removal efficiency.3. Secondary (Biological) TreatmentUsing microbial activity, this stage removes dissolved organic matter. Techniques include:- Activated Sludge Process- Trickling Filters- Lagoons- Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)- Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)- Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)These biological processes are widely adopted due to their efficiency in reducing organic pollutants and are supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act in the United States (EPA, 2025).4. Tertiary (Advanced) TreatmentThis stage polishes the effluent by removing remaining nutrients, pathogens, and micro-pollutants using methods such as:- Sand/Media Filtration- Reverse Osmosis- UV Disinfection- Activated Carbon- Nutrient Removal SystemsAdvanced treatment processes are increasingly important for addressing emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (EPA, 2025).5. Sludge Treatment and DisposalBiosolids produced during treatment are thickened, dewatered, stabilized (e.g., anaerobic digestion), and safely disposed of or reused (e.g., land application or composting). The EPA has highlighted concerns regarding contaminants like PFAS in biosolids, emphasizing the need for careful management (EPA, 2025).6. Emerging and Innovative StrategiesIn response to environmental, economic, and technological shifts, newer methods are being integrated, including:- Constructed Wetlands - Nature-based systems using plants and microbes.- Electrocoagulation - Uses electrical current to destabilize and remove contaminants.- Algae-Based Treatment - Algae assimilate nutrients while producing oxygen and biomass.- Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) - Oxidize persistent organic pollutants using powerful oxidants.- AI and IoT Systems - Enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smart automation.These innovative approaches are gaining traction, particularly in regions seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions (UNESCO, 2025).Other Context-Specific and Specialized ApproachesThough the six categories above encompass most global practices, several additional systems are used based on geography, application, or innovation stage:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Decentralized/On-Site Systems (e.g., septic tanks, composting toilets, bio-digesters)</li><li>Natural Systems (e.g., soil percolation fields, aquaculture-based treatment, mangrove systems)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Industrial-Specific Treatments (e.g., zero liquid discharge systems, heavy metal recovery)</li><li>Experimental/Future Technologies (e.g., microbial fuel cells, photocatalytic degradation, forward osmosis)</li></ul>The adoption of these systems often depends on local conditions, regulatory environments, and resource availability (ASCE, 2025).ConclusionAs of 2025, global wastewater treatment is largely structured around six core strategies. However, the diversity of environments, economic resources, and industrial needs leads to the use of various complementary, decentralized, or experimental systems. Ongoing innovation continues to shape the landscape, with sustainability, circular economy goals, and digital technologies playing increasingly central roles.Contact Aetervaja Water to help us help you with the most common sense and economical solution!&nbsp;References:1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Clean Water Act Methods Update Rule 22 (2025).2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Addressing Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater Systems (2025).3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for PFOA and PFOS (2025).4. UNESCO. United Nations World Water Development Reports (2025).5. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). 2025 Infrastructure Report Card: Wastewater.

Global Wastewater Treatment Strategies: A 2025 Overview

Executive Summary The United States faces mounting challenges in managing its wastewater treatment infrastructure. Decades of underinvestment, evolving environmental threats, and stricter regulations have created an urgent need for strategic upgrades and modernization. Approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater are generated daily, yet a significant portion remains untreated or improperly treated due to aging infrastructure and stormwater overflow. This report outlines the national status of wastewater treatment, identifies key inefficiencies, highlights new regulatory trends, and presents strategic pathways for long-term resilience.Overview of U.S. Wastewater InfrastructureAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 16,000 publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) operate across the country, processing an estimated 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day (EPA, 2024a). However, the average age of these facilities exceeds 40 years, and many were not designed to handle current volumes or the increasing presence of industrial and emerging contaminants.Key ChallengesInvestment Requirements The EPA’s Clean Watersheds Needs Survey estimates a need for over $271 billion for wastewater infrastructure improvements over the next two decades (EPA, 2024a). When including stormwater systems, nonpoint pollution controls, and decentralized treatment, total estimated needs exceed $630 billion. Aging and Overburdened Infrastructure Many treatment plants are past their useful lifespans, leading to reduced efficiency and increased failure rates. Combined sewer systems (CSOs), still in use in over 700 municipalities, frequently overflow during storms, discharging untreated wastewater directly into surface waters (ASCE, 2023). Environmental and Climate Pressures Climate change exacerbates existing system vulnerabilities, particularly during high-precipitation events. In Louisiana, Hurricane Francine overwhelmed wastewater systems, prompting water-use restrictions and raising concerns about contaminant release (Axios, 2024). Regulatory and Funding Gaps Though the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated historic funding to water infrastructure, it still falls short of the EPA’s documented needs. Additionally, rapid evolution in pollution standards—especially around contaminants like PFAS—has placed new demands on systems without corresponding regulatory clarity or funding (NAWC, 2024).Wastewater Treatment Gaps and Regulatory ExpansionVolume Treated and Reused Roughly 81% of U.S. wastewater receives secondary or higher-level treatment (EPA, 2023a). However, only 6–8% of treated wastewater is reused—primarily in arid regions for irrigation and industrial cooling—despite greater potential (EPA, 2023b). Untreated or Improperly Treated Wastewater The U.S. discharges an estimated 850 billion gallons of untreated sewage into the environment each year due to infrastructure failures and CSO events (EPA, 2023a). In addition, the EPA has identified that approximately 15% of households use decentralized septic systems, many of which are aging, failing, or improperly maintained, thereby threatening surface and groundwater quality (USGS, 2023). Furthermore, even among treated wastewater, many plants continue to exceed pollutant limits for nitrogen, phosphorus, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, particularly during storm surges or high inflow periods (EPA, 2023c). &nbsp; &nbsp;Industries Newly Regulated by EPA In response to rising pollutant loads, the EPA is expanding its Effluent Guidelines Program. The following industries are now subject to increased monitoring or proposed new discharge standards: Landfills and Leachate Systems: High concentrations of metals, ammonia, and emerging contaminants.  Textile and Carpet Manufacturing: PFAS and dye pollutants.  Food and Beverage Processing: Especially dairy and meat processors, due to high BOD/COD content.  Pharmaceutical and Biotech Facilities: Solvent and active compound discharges.  Cannabis Cultivation and Processing: High nutrient and pesticide runoff.  Semiconductor and Battery Manufacturers: Metals and toxic process chemicals (EPA, 2024b). These expansions aim to address sectors that were either historically under-regulated or have seen rapid recent growth without corresponding wastewater controls.Emerging Solutions and InnovationsTo address the widening treatment gap, municipalities and private entities are adopting: Decentralized and Modular Treatment Units: Ideal for new developments and rural communities.  Wastewater Treatment as a Service (WTaaS): Outsourced, performance-guaranteed treatment with tech-enabled monitoring. Contact us to know more about this!  Advanced Treatment Technologies: Including membrane bioreactors, UV oxidation, and activated carbon for PFAS removal.  Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): To accelerate capital project deployment and compliance performanceStrategic Recommendations <ol><li>Expand Federal and State Funding to accelerate system rehabilitation and treatment upgrades. </li><li>Enforce Industrial Accountability through updated EPA effluent rules targeting high-impact sectors. </li><li>Promote Water Reuse and Recycling by incentivizing dual-pipe systems and industrial greywater adoption.&nbsp;﻿Contact us to help you with this!</li><li>Scale Decentralized Systems to relieve overburdened central infrastructure. </li><li>Integrate Digital Infrastructure for real-time treatment monitoring and early-warning systems. </li></ol>References  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023a). Clean Watersheds Needs Survey.  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023b). National Water Reuse Action Plan. https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023c). NPDES Compliance Reports. https://www.epa.gov/npdes  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024a). Infrastructure Investment Needs Overview. https://www.epa.gov/cwns  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024b). Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15. https://www.epa.gov/eg  American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). (2023). Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. https://infrastructurereportcard.org  United States Geological Survey (USGS). (2023). Septic System Impacts on Water Quality. https://www.usgs.gov  Axios. (2024). Hurricane Francine and Climate-Driven Sewer Overflows. https://www.axios.com  National Association of Water Companies (NAWC). (2024). 2024 Regulatory Year in Review. https://nawc.org

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