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Survey finds water shortage expected for Oregon

10:19 AM PST on Wednesday, December 31, 2008

By Associated Press

The words "Oregon" and "rain" often appear together, but results of round-table talks indicate Oregonians doubt there will be enough water for everyone as the state's population grows and summers become drier with climate change.

The five sessions were held in September and October. Two-thirds of those surveyed at the roundtables across the state doubt whether Oregon will have enough water to cover all its needs 20 years from now.

Oregon and Alaska are the only two Western states with no water-supply plan outlining how to meet future water demands.

The results of the roundtables dovetail with a forecast by the Oregon Water Resources Department showing water needs growing by 10 percent by 2050, even as supplies may shrink in a warmer climate.

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