Oregon is known for its rain. Despite this reputation, water in Oregon is a limited resource
and the state's water laws are undergoing changes. Oregon's water laws are based on the
principle of prior appropriation. The first person (or municipality) to obtain a water right on
a stream is the last to be denied water during low flow periods. Historically, municipalities
were allowed to hold water right permits for quantities far in excess of their current needs
or infrastructure capacities.
Oregon recently imposed restrictions on such reservations for municipalities. At least in
part, this change was prompted by numerous Endangered Species Listings for salmon
species. The new rules require extensive justification for permit extensions. They also link
extensions to preparation and implementation of Water Management and Conservation
Plans. In such plans, a city must commit to implementing conservation measures and to
achieving target goals in reducing unaccounted for water.
This paper presents background information on Oregon municipal water use, describes the
recent rule changes, and presents case histories that highlight the growing value of water in
Oregon. Includes figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 350 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 06/15/2003 |
