Watershed protection
The McKenzie River is the sole source of drinking water for more than 200,000 people
in the Eugene metropolitan area. Recognizing the importance of this valuable resource,
the Eugene Water & Electric Board in 2000 developed a drinking water source protection
plan, which includes a risk assessment of all potential threats to our drinking water.
As part of this effort, EWEB launched an ambitious program to protect the McKenzie
and the high water quality EWEB customers have come to appreciate.
Meet EWEB's full-time source protection coordinator, Karl Morgenstern. Learn more about the
innovative, proactive programs that he manages to help protect your drinking water.
Read a summary of water quality monitoring data from 2000 to 2009.
A special McKenzie Water Quality website provides partner agencies, researchers,
watershed stakeholders and the interested public with data and information collected
by EWEB on the health of the McKenzie River.
EWEB has developed an emergency response system for the McKenzie River watershed.
EWEB is planning to develop a demonstration forest on part of the utility's property
along the Leaburg Canal in the middle McKenzie Watershed. Read a draft of the project goals and
see maps of the area.
This 92-acre piece of property along the lower McKenzie River provides opportunities for conservation
education, demonstration farming techniques and more.
This program targets growers and seeks to increase the economic viability of farming while protecting critical
drinking water resources.
Learn about EWEB's McKenzie River Septic System Assistance Project, financial assistance
opportunities and other useful resources.
EWEB and other agencies launched an innovative program to collect unwanted or obsolete
chemicals being stored on farms and other agricultural property in the McKenzie
River and Middle Fork Willamette watersheds.
Read studies and reports about the potential impact of development in the McKenzie watershed.
EWEB collects about sources of pollution in the watershed. EWEB is engaging landowners in
the watershed to help with this voluntary program. Read the following documents for more information: