Or. Admin. R. 690-086-0010 - Purpose
(1) The Water
Resources Commission has adopted a statewide policy on Conservation and
Efficient Water Use (OAR 690-410-0060). The policy requires major water users
and suppliers to prepare water management and conservation plans. These rules
provide a process to ensure the efficient use of the state's water resources
and to facilitate water supply planning consistent with water supplier and
Department capabilities. The Department shall update the Commission on the
implementation and effectiveness of these rules every five years.
(2) Many regions of Oregon face periodic and
increasingly frequent water shortages during summer periods. It is increasingly
important to the state's economy to maintain adequate stream flows to support
aquatic life, provide recreational opportunities and maintain water quality.
The continued implementation of conservation measures can help restore
streamflows, stabilize water supplies and provide for future needs for economic
development and growth.
(3)
Pursuant to ORS
540.610(3)
the use of water at a rate or duty which is less than the maximum amount
allowed under a water right that is achieved through improved water management
practices is not forfeiture under certain circumstances. However, conserved
water may only be used on additional acres or for other purposes not included
in the original right after allocation of conserved water under ORS
537.455
to
537.500
or under other specific statutory authorizations.
(4) Effective water management requires an
evaluation of the adequacy of water supplies to meet current and future needs,
identification of planned modifications in water systems, and development of
new water supplies. However, the approval of a water management and
conservation plan shall not substitute for compliance with Statewide Planning
Goals or any other comprehensive land use planning requirement or constitute
approval of applications for water rights, water reservations, water storage
facilities, transfers, permit amendments, or extensions of time for
permits.
(5) Water management and
conservation plans provide information important in water resources planning
and management. In addition, the plans may provide support for applications for
water use permits and water right transfers, permit amendments, and requests
for extensions of permits, approvals of exchanges, and reservations of water.
Due regard shall be given to any relevant approved water management and
conservation plan during Department consideration of these applications and
requests.
(6) Regional cooperation
will improve water management and help to facilitate implementation of
conservation measures. Water suppliers required under OAR 690-086-0010 to
690-086-0920 to prepare water management and conservation plans, and any other
suppliers or users, may jointly submit a single plan that addresses the
suppliers' conservation opportunities and water development needs.
(7) A water management and conservation plan
that has been approved under these rules may, at the option of the water
supplier, be submitted to satisfy a provision requiring preparation of a
conservation or curtailment plan pursuant to OAR Chapter 690, Division 19, and
ORS
536.780.
The Department shall make the determination of whether the plan meets the
applicable standards at the time of submittal in accordance with those
provisions.
(8) Many water use
permits that have been issued to water suppliers include conditions requiring
preparation of water conservation, long-term water supply, and other water
management plans. These rules provide standards for the preparation of such
plans. Unless other more specific or stringent requirements are included in a
permit, water management and conservation plans that have been approved under
OAR 690-086-0915 shall be deemed to meet the permit condition.
Notes
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 536.027, 537.211 & 540.572
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 537.230, 537.630 & 539.010
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.