The Santiam Water Control District was organized under Chapter 553 of the Oregon Revised Statute in 1954 after the purchase of the Willamette Valley Water Company.

The District currently delivers irrigation water for over 17,000 acres and provides service to over 450 patrons. This water is also utilized for various purposes such as fish propagation, wildlife habitat and wetland maintenance. SWCD also delivers water to two hydroelectric plants and provides municipal water to the city of Stayton, OR.

SWCD operates and maintains over 90 miles of open ditches and canals as well as approximately 14 miles of irrigation pipeline.