Agreement for future negotiations made after latest West Glen public meeting
By Griffin Beach on Monday, October 20th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BOARDMAN – An agreement appears to have been reached between West Glen United (WGU) and the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium (MCCWC) on finding solutions for clean drinking water in the West Glen neighborhood near Boardman. The development follows the latest public meeting on the issue.
WGU expressed optimism in a statement that the MCCWC has committed to negotiating with the group. MCCWC Executive Director Matt Jensen said WGU is currently determining its representatives and he expects discussions to begin in mid-November at the earliest.
West Glen residents continued to voice concerns at Wednesday’s meeting over an MCCWC proposal to connect the neighborhood to the city of Boardman’s water system. Several residents said they feel it is unfair to pay for water when their existing wells were tainted through no fault of their own. Residents are also upset that the industries responsible for the nitrate issue are not being held more accountable.
“Big, industrial polluters are poisoning our drinking water and making billions of dollars while doing it,” said WGU member Paulo Lopez. “Why should we have to pay again when we didn’t cause this problem, especially when we’re already paying with our health?”
MCCWC presented several proposals in the past, including installing filters and digging deeper wells, and have stated that feasibility studies have shown that connecting to the Boardman water system is the best solution. Jensen added that Wednesday’s meeting concluded the technical feasibility study, and that they are committed to collaborating with West Glen residents to explore options.
“We hear you and are working towards finding solutions,” said Jensen.
He added additional meetings will be coordinated through MCCWC, although most on a smaller scale.
James Klipfel speaks at Wednesday’s public meeting, photo courtesy of Oregon Rural Action.
