Weigh in with your support to modernize and improve key Oregon water management tools at a virtual information meeting this Monday the 22nd, or by an online survey deadline this Friday the 26th.
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is seeking public input this week on a critically-needed rulemaking initiative to modernize and improve key water management tools in Oregon.
We need your help to let the state know you support updating and improving Oregon’s water management toolbox to better curb the wasteful use of water, strengthen enforcement of Oregon’s water laws, and increase penalties for those who use water illegally or otherwise knowingly violate the law.
Our rapidly-warming climate is already making existing water management problems worse, so modernization of Oregon’s water management tools is extremely important. Please weigh in at a virtual information meeting this Monday, June 22nd, or by a survey deadline this Friday, June 26th, at 5 p.m.
Two Ways You Can Make Your Voice Heard
1.) Virtual Open House: The OWRD will hold a virtual informational meeting this Monday, June 22nd, from 2 to 4 p.m. where you can learn more and/or provide input. To attend Monday’s virtual open house event, please register here.
2.) Survey: If you’re short on time, you can simply fill out a series of short online surveys on important water management topics by 5 p.m. this Friday, June 26th. Links to the surveys are below.
The information provided below, including a printable “handout” and survey questions for each topic, can also be found at this comprehensive OWRD webpage at the “open house materials and surveys” option. Please note our suggested WaterWatch talking points for each topic.
With the survey questions you can submit an answer, skip a question, and/or view results of other submissions. Survey responses are anonymous. The surveys will be available online until 5 p.m. this Friday, June 26th, so have your responses submitted by then. For more, please consider this rulemaking overview handout.
Waste of Water
Possible talking point: The OWRD should define waste to require all water users to use the most efficient methods available and set efficiency standards for each basin.
“Bulges” In the System
Possible talking point: Bulges in the system are water storage ponds and reservoirs that are not authorized by statute. This mechanism should not be allowed as a loophole for destination resorts, water ski parks, and the like to store water without a reservoir permit.
Exempt Uses
- Exempt Uses Survey ⬅️
- Exempt Use Rules Handout
- General Exempt Use Handout
- Small Farms Handout
- Groundwater Exempt Use Poster
- Surface Water Exempt Use Poster
Possible talking points: 1.) With groundwater levels declining across the state, the OWRD should look at statutory changes to narrow exempt well use significantly. 2.) The rules should be updated to require measurement and reporting, and clearly outline the regulatory authority allowed in law.
Violations and Penalties
- Violation and Penalties Survey ⬅️
- Violations and Penalties Handout
- Classification Poster
- Enforcement Process Poster
Possible talking points: 1.) OWRD needs to fully and consistently enforce water right conditions across the state. This helps build trust in the system and agency, protects the public resource and water users, and avoids politics undermining the system. 2.) Penalties for illegal use should be increased to the maximum extent allowed by law, and those using water illegally should in fact be penalized to serve as a true deterrent.
Please let the Oregon Water Resources Department know you support this rulemaking effort, and urge them to bring these water management tools into the 21st century!