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Farmer Gino Celli climbs out of an irrigation canal May 18 that is covered in dried salt on a field he farms near Stockton, California.

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

By Rep. Dan Rayfield

California is in a state of emergency. Mountain snowpack is at a record low, and many of its lakes and streams are at all-time lows. Mandatory water use restrictions have been put into place for the first time in California's history, and communities have been ordered to cut water use by an average of 25 percent. Outside the cities, farmers left more than 500,000 acres unplanted last year due to lack of water. That number will grow this year. In the Sierras, more than 12 million trees have died, with millions more expected to die this summer.

Here in Oregon, extreme drought is creeping north from California. Gov. Brown has already declared drought emergencies in 15 counties. It may look green outside today, but that creek in your community is probably running at levels typical of August. These problems, in combination with heat and no snow, suggest our water challenges are just beginning.

We have an opportunity to learn from the drought afflicting California, but it's going to require two things: raising awareness of water policy at every level in Oregon and investing in conservation and storage projects. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work before we end up in California's shoes.

Oregonians care deeply about water. Our forests and rivers define how we see ourselves - and our plentiful waters help sustain the farms and forests that support our communities. Keep in mind that Oregon's agriculture industry, which relies on steady access to quality water, supports more than 400,000 jobs and represents a $22.8 billion industry. Water also creates the critical habitat that sustains Oregon's abundant fisheries and ecosystems.

Oregon already faces challenges concerning water. In most parts of the state, our water resources are fully allocated. At the same time, our progress toward clean water has stagnated. Decreasing snowpack, increasing temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns only add to these challenges. Oregon needs to address these issues now. Further delay will negatively impact our economy, communities and the environment.

Oregon is beginning to tackle these challenges, but funding is needed to move the efforts forward. Oregon's natural resources agencies currently receive about 1 percent of the state's general fund. Water management receives even less. Other western states spend dramatically more than Oregon has historically spent on water infrastructure and quality. We don't have the resources that California has to address our water challenges, but by beginning to invest strategically, we can leverage public and private investment to protect our communities and the quality of life we care so deeply about.

Oregon is currently considering a $56 million package for planning and implementation of water conservation, management and storage projects. There are also a number of proposals to improve water quality - primarily through non-regulatory programs. These investments are just a drop in the bucket, but it's a start. If we're going to avoid California's water woes, we need your help to move the topic of "water" to the forefront of the conversation. The situation certainly demands nothing less.

Democrat Dan Rayfield, of Salem, represents the 16th District in the Oregon House of Representatives.