Clean water is a must to keep our district flowing and the Eco system thriving. The lack of vegetation on water banks can lead to significant erosion. Overgrazed pastures can contribute large amounts of sediment to our local creeks, ponds and rivers. Livestock in streams, canals and ditches can contaminate waterways with bacteria, making the water unsafe .
1. Keep soil & nutrients on site.
2. Keep manure, fertilizer, animals out of streams, irrigation canals & ditches 3. Provide alternate drinking water source for livestock 4. Pile manure away from canals & ditches. 5. Fence livestock out of canals & ditches 6. Pipe ditches through pastures. 7. Apply fertilizer based on crop needs, soil tests, irrigation schedule & weather Excess bacteria and nitrates in water can contaminate drinking water. Keeping water clean is an Oregon Law (ORS 468B.025).
It states that no person shall: A. Pollute any water including wells, ditches and streams. B. Place wastes such as sediments (dirt, weeds, etc.) or manure where they are likely to enter water. C. Violate water quality standards. |
It is the duty of every landowner to use due care to avoid damages to District canals or other facilities. There are some ditches that landowner’s livestock have repeatedly caused substantial damages to the District's irrigation ditch. The District's legal Counsel advises that this amounts to a trespass for which the landowner is liable to the District for damages. The landowner will be charged for all damage repairs.
See Rules and Regulations Handbook # 27- Damages to Facilities. |
Responsible Use and Disposal of Chemicals
- Don’t dump leftover products down the drain — that harms water quality.
- Dispose of Pesticides, Fertilizers and Herbicides Correctly click here for your local hazardous water disposal sites.
- Use only what you need and apply according to the label.
- Consider creating a no spray buffer near streams and follow local regulations.
- Dispose of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers at the hazardous waste collection events.
Contact your local Soil & Water Conservation District for technical assistance.
Watermaster Office
(541) 774-6880 |
Jack. Co. Soil & Conservation District
541-423-6159 |
Oregon State University Extension
541-776-7371 |
Rogue River Watershed Council
541-423-6158 |
