What does it mean to be an Outstanding Resource Water?

Protecting High Quality Rivers

We all have our own reasons for wanting to protect our rivers and streams, from cultural heritage to recreation to economic livelihood. An Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) designation defends these values and also provides a number of other benefits. For example, an ORW designation may be a strong tool for state and local governments to pursue smart and responsible development practices. Smart land use decisions that incorporate human, economic, and ecological values result in sustainable economic growth, higher property values, more efficient public services,  and healthier communities.

In terms of cost, protecting and enhancing high quality rivers and critical aquatic habitat before these resources are degraded by pollution is often cheaper than trying to rejuvenate sick and damaged rivers. The high level of protection provided by an ORW designation guarantees that clean rivers can stay that way and critical salmon habitat can support and improve spawning and rearing. As a result, people enjoy a higher quality of life and our salmon runs have a healthy place to live and breed.

The reality of climate change means we should act now to protect our high quality rivers and streams. Although the impacts of climate change will vary from region to region, scientists expect higher average global temperatures over the next century to cause higher river temperatures, which will cause significant changes in aquatic and terrestrial habitath and harm freshwater fish like salmon. Additionally, rainfall patterns will shift -- some areas will get more precipitation, some less. An ORW designation is an important way to ensure cool, clean water for fish, wildlife, and people now and in the future.