Act Now So You Can Fly Fish Later
Recently my husband and I took a few days off to explore the remote and beautiful wilderness of Eastern and Central Oregon. Of course, we had fly rods with us, because looking at the map, there were lakes, rivers, and reservoirs to fish. We quickly realized that this would not be a fishing trip because all those waterways were bone dry. To be honest, it brought tears to our eyes.
Water conservation is more important now than ever and according to drought.gov, almost the entire state of Oregon is in Extreme to Exceptional drought right now. With warmer temperatures, mild winters, less rain, and snowfall, Central Oregon's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, aquifers are being depleted and drying out.
The Ochoco Reservoir is only 12% full. Homes that usually sit lakeside are bone dry. The Prineville Reservoir is only at 27%. And Wickiup Reservoir that feeds the Deschutes is at 1%. ONE PERCENT! This is some terrifying stuff.
A nearly dry reservoir, the new normal.
This is the current state of our reservoirs and unless we do something, it will continue to get worse. Is this the world you want to leave for your grandchildren?
Extreme drought means less water for drinking, farming, negative impacts on air quality, the economy, an increase in wildfires, and disease. And with waterways drying up, that also means for you and me as anglers, way fewer trout and fewer opportunities for fly fishing.
Trout depend on clean, diverse, and healthy habitats in the water and out. With the extreme droughts we're having, trout are struggling to not only find enough water but cold oxygenated water that they need for their healthy survival and reproduction.
So, what can we as individuals do to help save our trout friends? How can we act now and conserve water so we can fish later?
There are some simple actions that we can all do at home to conserve water. And sure, is one person going to make a difference? No. But imagine if five people take action, then 10, then 100, then 1000, and so on. Think of what a difference that could make!
Xeriscape. By simply having plants that use little to no water, you can significantly reduce the amount of water used in your yard. In Central Oregon, we live in a desert, so go with native plants that use little water. Here's a great guide to Xeriscaping in the High Desert.
Get rid of your green lawn! Or if you can't or won't, then water during the early mornings when it's cooler, so water doesn't evaporate as quickly. And water less often. Most lawns don't need to be watered every day. Here's a good test, according to redmondoregon.gov.
It is not necessary to water on a set schedule. Water only when grass or plants show signs of needing it. Here's a simple test. Step on the grass, after 20 to 30 minutes if the grass springs back, it's ok; if the grass stays flat, it needs water.
And, according to the EPA, almost ⅓ of residential water is used for watering lawns. That's a lot of water and money spent. And all those fertilizers used that flow into our waterways cause algae blooms which wreak havoc on our fish populations.
Save water and money with Xeriscaping!
Xeriscaping gives your yard a unique and diverse look all while using plants that use a lot less water and maintenance. That’s a major win for water conservation and your wallet.
Turn off the tap. When bruising your teeth, shaving, washing dishes, your hands, take shorter showers, or better yet, take baths. Or install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Check your toilet age. Modern toilets are designed to use 1.6 gallons per flush, but older systems can use up to 5 to 7 gallons per flush! Invest in an updated toilet that uses less water or use a Tank Bank.
Pipes and leaks. Check for any leaks inside and outside your home, so no water is wasted from slow unwanted leaky pipes.
Fill up appliances. Run your dishwasher and washing machine when they're full. And if you can afford it, invest in an energy-efficient setup that uses less water.
Reuse water when possible. Greywater from your shower or sink makes for great water for your yard and plants.
Collect rain water. When it does rain, collect rain in buckets to use for your garden and yard.
Eat fewer foods that take a lot of water. Meat, dairy, and eggs leave a more extensive water footprint than most fruits and veggies.
Be an advocate and leader for water conservation. If your neighbors see you Xeriscaping, maybe they'll do the same. At the next family get-together, bring up how much money you're saving by not watering a lawn and using your appliances more efficiently.
Water is disappearing and the time to act is now! Climate change, overuse, mass production of stuff, and a population that keeps increasing are all contributing factors to our disappearing waterways and fish habitats.
So instead of sitting around and relying on someone else to take action or hoping the rains will come, do something about it. Do your part as a concerned, active, and compassionate citizen. Our fish will thank you.