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MEDFORD, ORE. - The Oregon Water Resources Commission voted unanimously today to adopt updates to Oregon’s groundwater allocation rules, marking a historic step in how the state manages and allocates groundwater. The adopted rule updates will go into effect upon filing with the Oregon Secretary of State.
The adopted rules detail how the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) grants new groundwater rights. The new rules are designed to promote sustainable groundwater use. This means that when evaluating a new use application, OWRD is looking to determine whether water is available for further appropriation, including:
- Determining if groundwater levels are reasonably stable.
- Prioritizing existing water rights over new groundwater rights that will interfere with surface water rights.
- Confirming the target aquifer is physically capable of producing the requested new rate of use.
This is largely achieved through defining reasonably stable groundwater levels and expanding the evaluation of impacts to surface water, altering the criteria OWRD uses for evaluating new groundwater use applications.
The rule updates are not intended to impact groundwater applications in the agency queue at the time the new rules become effective. The changes do not affect exempt groundwater uses, existing water rights, or water rights transfers.
“Our unanimous decision to adopt these rules underscores the importance of proactive water management in Oregon,” said Commission Chair Eric Quaempts. “By taking this step, we are prioritizing the long-term health of our groundwater resources and ensuring that our water management practices reflect the realities of today’s challenges. This is about making responsible choices now to support Oregonians and the state’s water future."
"The updated groundwater allocation rules are a critical step toward protecting our water resources from overuse and the impacts of climate change,” said Oregon Water Resources Director Ivan Gall. “These rules ensure that new groundwater rights are granted based on science, safeguarding existing users and preserving water for future generations. This forward-looking approach will help maintain sustainable water supplies for all Oregonians."
Background
In some parts of Oregon, water pumped and used from underground aquifers is outpacing what nature replaces through precipitation. Scientific data shows that groundwater depletion is occurring at rapid and unsustainable rates in many parts of the state. As a result, many parts of the state are experiencing dry wells and water scarcity that impacts families, farmers, industry and recreation. Additionally, groundwater depletion is expected to increase due to a warming and drying climate. Much of the water in streams during summer months comes from groundwater sources. With groundwater sources declining, reduced surface water flows in streams, rivers and lakes affect existing water rights holders and inhibit healthy fish, aquatic habitat, and recreation.
After decades of groundwater declines, OWRD is responding to the modern realities experienced by Oregonians and confirmed by science. To limit the further depletion of groundwater resources, OWRD developed science-based rules for issuing new water rights.
OWRD is the state agency that allocates and distributes water in Oregon. The Oregon Water Resources Commission is the seven-member citizen body that sets state water policy and oversees OWRD’s activities. For more information, please visit oregon.gov/owrd.
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