Governor Kate Brown Friday confirmed drought emergencies in Coos, Douglas, Gilliam and Jefferson counties. That makes 19 Oregon counties, officially in a state of drought.
Drought emergencies have now been declared in more than half of Oregon's 36 counties. Lane and Deschutes were recently added to the list.
Governor Brown cites low snowpack and low water levels in her declaration.
Brown: "Oregon is only just beginning to face what is likely to be an unprecedented wildfire season and drought. We must now rise to the challenge that a changing climate brings."
Drought emergency declarations allow the state to prioritize use of water for human consumption and livestock, and enable residents hurt by drought to get federal aid.