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Water And Land Use Planning: A Case For Better Coordination, Vivek Shandas

Institute for Sustainable Solutions Publications and Presentations

Over the next 30 years, the population of Oregon is expected to grow by 1.6 million residents, of which half is expected to locate in the three counties comprising the Portland metropolitan region. At current rates of population growth and water use, by 2040 the region will consume the amount of water equivalent to Crater Lake. Combine with this demand, climate projections which suggest a substantial decrease in available water during summer months when water use is highest. Since Oregon's industries and households depend on the Cascade Mountains for water supply, these challenges pose serious threats to economic development plans …