Salem, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in Hood River County through Executive Order 26-25 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance. The Executive Order is available here.
This marks the seventh drought declaration order issued in 2026. In total, 22 of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status. As of September 1, 54% of Hood River County is in moderate drought, with the remainder of the County experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) values over the water year-to-date (WYTD) correspond with abnormally dry conditions and moderate drought for southern portions of the County and normal to wetter-than-normal conditions for the rest of the County.
Impact and State Response
Drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats, and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies, and increase wildfire risk.
The drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD).
In March, the Governor declared drought in Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 536.740, followed by a declaration in April for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties; a declaration in May for Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler counties; a declaration on June 10 for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake, and Malheur counties; a declaration on June 24 for Josephine and Wasco counties; and a declaration on July 13 for Curry and Union counties. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely.
As state and local officials coordinate with federal and Tribal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).