Follow the Water  is about our relationship with our rivers in Oregon, Southwest Washington, and the communities along the Columbia River. It’s about connecting people with our water – where we live, work, and play. It’s also about connecting our behaviors to the rivers so we understand that what we do can change the water both positively and negatively. Ultimately, it’s about learning and sharing new ways to be better to our water with your friends and neighbors. 

The name Follow the Water  means going with the current, not against it – learning as we go, seeing things we’ve not seen before. We hope to bring out the inner child within us, and stay curious. We hope to bring out the best in all of us and stay connected. When we visit our waterways, or when we sip our water, it is a reminder of who we are. We learned that from Judy Bluehorse Skelton, professor at Portland State University, in our Follow the Water film.

Whether you are new to the area, or if you have been here your whole life, the experience of water is special. It is why many of us choose to be here. And that is why the future of our water means so much to us. 

Follow the Water  is the work of a voluntary collaborative partnership of over 60 organizations, from federal, state and local governments, watershed councils, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and water related non-profits in our area. We work together to bring you insights about water – the science, the stories, and the positive actions we take – from the diverse voices in our communities.