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

La Grande, Oregon — October 2025

Union 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.

Who is Affected Right Now?

👨‍🌾 Farmers & 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 & 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.

What Happens If This Continues?

The long-term implications of this drought are sobering:

🐟 Fish & 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.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Union County must lean into climate resilience strategies. This includes:

• Expanding water reuse and conservation technologies.
• Supporting farmers in drought-adaptive crop choices and soil health.
• Investing in municipal and rural water infrastructure upgrades.
• Restoring natural systems to buffer ecological damage.
• Enhancing community awareness and preparedness.

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 & 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
 
Prepared by: Aetervaja, Public Benefit Nonprofit
Mission: Advancing sustainable water innovation for humanity first, community and ecosystem health.