On January 31, 2025, the Department of the Interior welcomed Secretary Doug Burgum, former Governor of North Dakota. In his opening remarks from Washington, D.C., Secretary Burgum emphasized the importance of championing clean water. 
 

This priority is deeply reflected in our work at the Oregon Water Science Center. Across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, our scientists provide impartial, actionable data to support water resource decisions for federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. Our mission —delivering reliable water science in a changing world—has never been more relevant. 
 

This issue of our newsletter showcases some recent efforts that highlight the breadth of our work. We share updates on monitoring efforts of cyanotoxins, work related to the Klamath dam removals, accomplishments in data collection, and recent publications.  
 

We’re especially proud and thankful for our partnerships—with Tribes, natural resource agencies, conservation groups, and academic institutions—that make this work possible. Whether investigating harmful algal blooms in drinking water sources, advancing environmental DNA (eDNA) methods, or helping communities understand flood risk, these collaborations ensure our science reaches the people who need it most. 
 

Thank you for your continued trust in our science and data collection. 

-Joanna Thamke