Governor Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Josephine and Wasco Counties

Salem, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in Josephine and Wasco counties through Executive Order 26-11 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance. The Executive Order is available here.

This marks the fifth drought declaration order issued in 2026. In total, 19 of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Josephine and Wasco counties are experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Seasonal climate and drought outlooks indicate that drought conditions in the counties are likely to persist.

Josephine County

As of June 9, all of Josephine County is in some form of drought, with 46% of the county in severe drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) values for the water year thus far correspond with moderate drought to severe drought for much of Josephine County.

Wasco County

As of June 9, 54% of Wasco County is in moderate to severe drought, with severe drought covering 23% of the county. SPEI values over the water year correspond with moderate drought conditions in southern parts of the county and are near normal or wetter than normal for the rest of the county. Over the past 45 and 60 days, SPEI values correspond with abnormally dry conditions to extreme drought conditions for much 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; and a declaration on June 10 for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake, and Malheur 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).