Recent news about rural water providers in Hood River County is cause for a toast — with a tall cold glass of Mother Nature’s best.
    Ice Fountain Water District recently received the Best Tasting Groundwater Award from the Oregon Association of Water Utilities.

And, as reported on page A1, East Fork Irrigation District has completed of the valley’s largest-ever conservation project. The effort serves 925 patrons and happened thanks to cooperation from local, state and federal agencies who had assisted in the almost $11 million piping of the central canal.

Whether it’s cleaner water for fish, in the case of East Fork, or nearly pure water for human to drink, in the case of Ice Fountain, it’s cause to celebrate collaborative efforts that protect and preserve one of our most valued resources.

The high quality of water and of projects that enhance irrigation and fish passage point to enduring need for continued protection of the resource: conservation.

It might be tempting to look at the significant snowpack remaining on the mountains and sit back and let the faucets flow this spring and summer.

The best way to honor the resource, though, is vigilance. Plenty of people have worked hard to keep water supplies flowing efficiently and healthfully.

There is no better time to remember to be stingy with the commodity. While the weather is relatively cool these days, and the Gorge looks fresh and green, the warm weather is upon as, along with the high-use season.

Urban and rural residents are urged to monitor their water use so that come September, there will still be plenty to go around.

It’s a clear choice.