Working together to strengthen partnerships and develop resources that help water providers meet regional water needs.

The Consortium is built on partnerships and provides a forum for our water provider members to work together on projects that support a long-term water supply for the region. By working together, Consortium members can speak with one voice on policy and program matters and achieve economies of scale. Projects in the regional coordination portfolio provide opportunities to collaborate, develop regional tools, and provide consistent information to the public.  

• Regional Water Supply Plan: The Consortium was originally formed in order to carry out the long-term strategies outlined in the Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP). Water providers developed the plan to make sure that they would have enough water for the growing Portland metropolitan area through 2050 and beyond. Read the 1996 plan, as well as the 2004 and 2016 updates on the Water Supply Coordination page.

• Source Water Protection Strategy: The Consortium’s Source Water Protection Strategy describes current efforts being undertaken by water providers and other organizations to protect the region’s water sources. The Strategy also provides specific actions for the Consortium to undertake including legislative advocacy, developing partnerships, securing grants, completing studies, conservation, and public education.

• Drinking Water Advisory Tool: Water providers issue drinking water advisories if there is a risk water is not safe to drink. The Consortium developed a look-up tool to help the public determine if they are affected by a drinking water advisory. When no advisories are issued, the tool can be used to find out who is your water provider.  

• Population Estimate and Forecasts: The Consortium works with Portland State University’s Population Research Center to calculate population forecasts, and historic population and household data. Water providers use this information when estimating future water demands. Many water providers, especially districts, have unique boundaries, so they can’t rely on city population data.

• Five-Year Strategic Plan: The Consortium adopted its Five-Year Strategic Plan (PDF) in October 2018 and updated the plan (PDF) in 2023. The plan focuses on three major strategic areas:
  • Meeting Water Needs
  • Emergency Preparedness and Resiliency
  • Strengthening Regional Partnerships
• Curtailment Coordination and Communication Plan: Consortium members have best management practices in place to communicate and coordinate with each other and their in the event that one or more providers have to ask their customers to reduce, or curtail, their water use. The intent is to reduce confusion for the public, coordinate messaging, and ensure collaboration.

• Legislative Advocacy: The Consortium’s Board of elected officials speak with one voice on legislative issues of importance to water providers. For example, the Consortium Board endorsed the Oregon Resilience Plan (PDF) and have commented on bills related to landscape contractors to ensure that continuing education around water efficiency remains a component of training.