Klamath County is now under a state drought emergency after Governor Tina Kotek declared emergency status for Klamath, Coos, and Wheeler counties. State officials say 70% of Klamath County is in moderate to severe drought, while the Klamath Basin’s snow water equivalent was reported at just 4% of normal in late April.

A new federal bill introduced by Congressman Cliff Bentz aims to give local water users a stronger voice in decisions that impact water access across the West. The legislation focuses on increasing transparency and participation during Endangered Species Act consultations that often influence agricultural and community water supplies.

Oregon officials say they recognize the urgent push for fish screens as salmon return to the Upper Klamath Basin — but warn the engineering, cost, and statewide backlog mean fast solutions are unlikely.