ORS 537.780
Powers of Water Resources Commission

  • rules
  • limitations on authority

(1)

In the administration of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), the Water Resources Commission may:

(a)

Require that all flowing wells be capped or equipped with valves so that the flow of ground water may be completely stopped when the ground water is not actually being applied to a beneficial use.

(b)

Enforce:

(A)

General standards for the construction and maintenance of wells and their casings, fittings, valves, pumps and back-siphoning prevention devices; and

(B)

Special standards for the construction and maintenance of particular wells and their casings, fittings, valves and pumps.

(c)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A)

Adopt by rule and enforce when necessary to protect the ground water resource, standards for the construction, maintenance, abandonment or use of any hole through which ground water may be contaminated; or

(B)

Enter into an agreement with, or advise, other state agencies that are responsible for holes other than wells through which ground water may be contaminated in order to protect the ground water resource from contamination.

(d)

Enforce uniform standards for the scientific measurement of water levels and of ground water flowing or withdrawn from wells.

(e)

Enter upon any lands for the purpose of inspecting wells, including wells exempt under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses), casings, fittings, valves, pipes, pumps, measuring devices and back-siphoning prevention devices.

(f)

Prosecute actions and suits to enjoin violations of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), and appear and become a party to any action, suit or proceeding in any court or before any administrative body when it appears to the satisfaction of the commission that the determination of the action, suit or proceeding might be in conflict with the public policy expressed in ORS 537.525 (Policy).

(g)

Call upon and receive advice and assistance from the Environmental Quality Commission or any other public agency or any person, and enter into cooperative agreements with a public agency or person.

(h)

Adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties) including but not limited to rules governing:

(A)

The form and content of registration statements, certificates of registration, applications for permits, permits, certificates of completion, ground water right certificates, notices, proofs, maps, drawings, logs and licenses;

(B)

Procedure in hearings held by the commission; and

(C)

The circumstances under which the helpers of persons operating well drilling machinery may be exempt from the requirement of direct supervision by a licensed water well constructor.
(i)
In accordance with applicable law regarding search and seizure, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a warrant to seize any well drilling machine used in violation of ORS 537.747 (Water well constructor’s license) or 537.753 (Bond or letter of credit).

(2)

Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (1) of this section, in administering the provisions of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), the commission may not:

(a)

Adopt any rule restricting ground water use in an area unless the rule is based on substantial evidence in the record of the Water Resources Department to justify the imposition of restrictions.

(b)

Make any determination that a ground water use will impair, substantially interfere or unduly interfere with a surface water source unless the determination is based on substantial evidence. Such evidence may include reports or studies prepared with relation to the specific use or may be based on the application of generally accepted hydrogeological principles to the specific use.

(3)

At least once every three years, the commission shall review any rule adopted under subsection (2) of this section that restricts ground water use in an area. The review process shall include public notice and an opportunity to comment on the rule. [1955 c.708 §32; 1981 c.416 §7; 1985 c.673 §73; 1989 c.833 §60; 1995 c.549 §2]
Note: The amendments to 537.780 (Powers of Water Resources Commission) by section 14, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021, become operative July 1, 2023. See section 27, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021. The text that is operative on and after July 1, 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.
537.780 (Powers of Water Resources Commission). (1) In the administration of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), the Water Resources Commission may:

(a)

Require that all flowing wells be capped or equipped with valves so that the flow of ground water may be completely stopped when the ground water is not actually being applied to a beneficial use.

(b)

Enforce:

(A)

General standards for the construction, alteration, abandonment, conversion or maintenance of wells and their casings, fittings, valves, pumps and back-siphoning prevention devices; and

(B)

Special standards for the construction, alteration, abandonment, conversion or maintenance of particular wells and their casings, fittings, valves and pumps.

(c)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A)

Adopt by rule and enforce when necessary to protect the ground water resource, standards for the construction, maintenance, abandonment or use of any hole through which ground water may be contaminated; or

(B)

Enter into an agreement with, or advise, other state agencies that are responsible for holes other than wells through which ground water may be contaminated in order to protect the ground water resource from contamination.

(d)

Enforce uniform standards for the scientific measurement of water levels and of ground water flowing or withdrawn from wells.

(e)

Enter upon any lands for the purpose of inspecting wells, including wells exempt under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses), casings, fittings, valves, pipes, pumps, measuring devices and back-siphoning prevention devices.

(f)

Prosecute actions and suits to enjoin violations of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), and appear and become a party to any action, suit or proceeding in any court or before any administrative body when it appears to the satisfaction of the commission that the determination of the action, suit or proceeding might be in conflict with the public policy expressed in ORS 537.525 (Policy).

(g)

Call upon and receive advice and assistance from the Environmental Quality Commission or any other public agency or any person, and enter into cooperative agreements with a public agency or person.

(h)

Adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties) including but not limited to rules governing:

(A)

The form and content of registration statements, certificates of registration, applications for permits, permits, certificates of completion, ground water right certificates, notices, proofs, maps, drawings, logs and licenses;

(B)

Procedure in hearings held by the commission; and

(C)

The circumstances under which the helpers of persons operating well drilling machinery may be exempt from the requirement of direct supervision by a licensed water well constructor.
(i)
In accordance with applicable law regarding search and seizure, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a warrant to seize any well drilling machine used in violation of ORS 537.747 (Water well constructor’s license) or 537.753 (Bond or letter of credit).

(2)

Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (1) of this section, in administering the provisions of ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties), the commission may not:

(a)

Adopt any rule restricting ground water use in an area unless the rule is based on substantial evidence in the record of the Water Resources Department to justify the imposition of restrictions.

(b)

Make any determination that a ground water use will impair, substantially interfere or unduly interfere with a surface water source unless the determination is based on substantial evidence. Such evidence may include reports or studies prepared with relation to the specific use or may be based on the application of generally accepted hydrogeological principles to the specific use.

(3)

At least once every three years, the commission shall review any rule adopted under subsection (2) of this section that restricts ground water use in an area. The review process shall include public notice and an opportunity to comment on the rule.

Source: Section 537.780 — Powers of Water Resources Commission; rules; limitations on authority, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors537.­html.

537.010
Definition of “Water Rights Act.”
537.040
Registration of water for road construction, maintenance or reconstruction
537.090
Laws applicable to geothermal wells
537.095
Interference between geothermal well and other water appropriation
537.097
Verification of land ownership
537.099
Water use report from governmental entity
537.110
Public ownership of waters
537.120
Right of appropriation
537.130
Permit to appropriate water required
537.131
Reclaimed water
537.132
Exemption from permit requirement for use of reclaimed water
537.133
Permittee’s right to enter on forestland
537.135
Permit required to appropriate water for recharging ground water sources
537.139
Failure to obtain authorization for access to certain land
537.140
Application for permit
537.141
Uses of water not requiring water right application, permit or certificate
537.142
Water right permit or certificate not required for egg incubation project under salmon and trout enhancement program
537.143
Limited license to use or store surface or ground water or to use stored water
537.144
Request for right to use water under limited license
537.145
Notice of filing of application to appropriate water for hydroelectric purposes
537.147
Permit to use stored water
537.150
Filing of application
537.153
Review of application
537.160
Approval for beneficial use
537.170
Contested case hearing on application
537.173
Exceptions to final order
537.175
Time limit for issuing final order or scheduling contested case hearing
537.190
Terms and conditions of approval
537.211
Issuance of permit if application approved
537.220
Assignment of application, permit or license
537.225
Full or partial assignment of water right permit
537.227
Protest of application to assign all or part of water right permit
537.230
Time allowed for construction of irrigation or other work
537.240
Federal permit
537.248
Requirement to include in reservoir permit date for beginning and completing construction and for perfecting water right
537.249
Election to have proposed reservation considered as application for permit or rulemaking proceeding
537.250
Water right certificate
537.252
Certificate issued for land not described in permit
537.260
Cancellation of permit for failure of proof of completion of appropriation
537.270
Conclusiveness of certificate
537.282
Definition of “municipal applicant.”
537.283
Procedure for applications to appropriate water for hydroelectric power
537.285
Municipal applicant may develop hydroelectric project jointly with private person
537.287
Rules for joint project of municipal applicant and private person
537.289
Conditions to be imposed on permit of municipal corporation or district
537.292
Conditions to be imposed on certificate of municipal corporation or district
537.295
Cancellation of permit when holder fails to continue to qualify as municipal applicant
537.297
Cancellation of water right certificate when holder fails to continue to qualify as municipal applicant
537.299
Consequences of cancellation of permit or certificate if holder no longer municipal applicant
537.310
Acquisition of water rights for railway purposes
537.320
Entry on land for survey purposes, preliminary to appropriation and diversion of waters
537.330
Disclosure required in real estate transaction involving water right
537.332
Definitions for ORS 537.332 to 537.360
537.334
Findings
537.336
State agencies authorized to request in-stream water rights
537.338
Rules for state agency request for in-stream water right
537.341
Certificate for in-stream water right
537.343
Proposed final order
537.346
Conversion of minimum perennial streamflows to in-stream water rights
537.348
Purchase, lease or gift of water right for conversion to in-stream water right
537.349
Processing request for in-stream water right
537.350
Legal status of in-stream water right
537.352
Precedence of uses
537.354
In-stream water right subject to emergency water shortage provisions
537.356
Request for reservation of unappropriated water for future economic development
537.358
Rules for reservation for future economic development
537.360
Relationship between application for in-stream water right and application for certain hydroelectric permits
537.385
Extension of irrigation season
537.390
Valuation of water rights
537.395
Public recapture of water power rights and properties
537.400
Reservoir permits
537.405
Exempt reservoirs
537.407
Water right certificate for reservoirs existing before January 1, 1993
537.409
Alternate permit application process for qualifying reservoirs
537.410
Failure to commence or complete work, or to properly apply water, as grounds for cancellation of permit
537.420
Notice of hearing
537.440
Cancellation of permit
537.445
Hearing upon proposal to cancel permit or appropriation
537.450
Rules for proof as to work and use of water under permits
537.455
Definitions for ORS 537.455 to 537.500 and 540.510
537.460
Legislative findings
537.463
Applicability of ORS 537.455 to 537.500
537.465
Application for allocation of conserved water
537.470
Allocation of conserved water by commission
537.480
Rules
537.485
Priority of right to use conserved water
537.490
Use of conserved water
537.495
Receipt by state agency or political subdivision of right to use conserved water
537.500
Legal status of conserved water right
537.505
Short title
537.515
Definitions for ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992
537.525
Policy
537.531
Legislative findings
537.532
Injection of ground water into aquifers
537.534
Rules for permitting and administering aquifer storage and recovery projects
537.535
Unlawful use or appropriation of ground water, including well construction and operation
537.545
Exempt uses
537.575
Permits granted, approved or pending under former law
537.585
Beneficial use of ground water prior to August 3, 1955, recognized as right to appropriate water when registered
537.595
Construction or alteration of well commenced prior to August 3, 1955, recognized as right to appropriate water when registered
537.605
Registration of right to appropriate ground water claimed under ORS 537.585 or 537.595
537.610
Recording registration statement
537.615
Application for permit to acquire new right or enlarge existing right to appropriate ground water
537.620
Determination of completeness of application
537.621
Review of application
537.622
Contested case hearing
537.625
Final order
537.626
Exceptions to final order
537.627
Time limit for issuing final order or scheduling contested case hearing
537.628
Terms
537.629
Conditions or limitations to prevent interference with other users
537.630
Time allowed for construction work under permit
537.635
Assignment of application, certificate of registration or permit
537.665
Investigation of ground water reservoirs
537.670
Determination of rights to appropriate ground water of ground water reservoir
537.675
Determination of rights in several reservoirs or of critical ground water area in same proceeding
537.680
Taking testimony
537.685
Findings of fact and order of determination
537.690
Filing evidence, findings and determinations
537.695
Conclusive adjudication
537.700
Issuing ground water right certificate
537.705
Ground water appurtenant
537.720
Violation of terms of law or permit or certificate
537.730
Designation of critical ground water area
537.735
Rules designating critical ground water area
537.740
Filing rules designating critical ground water area
537.742
Contested case proceeding to limit use of ground water in critical ground water area
537.743
Program to remediate certain domestic water wells
537.744
Domestic Well Remediation Fund
537.745
Voluntary agreements among ground water users from same reservoir
537.746
Mitigation credits for projects in Deschutes River Basin
537.747
Water well constructor’s license
537.750
Examination for license
537.753
Bond or letter of credit
537.762
Report of constructor before beginning work on well
537.763
Water Resources Department Operating Fund
537.765
Log of constructing, altering, abandoning or converting well
537.766
Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund
537.767
Disbursement of moneys in Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund
537.769
Local regulation of wells and water well constructors
537.772
Pump tests
537.775
Wasteful or defective wells
537.777
Regulation of controlling works of wells and distribution of ground water
537.780
Powers of Water Resources Commission
537.781
Applying for injunction to address violation or potential violation
537.783
Reinjection of geothermal fluids
537.785
Fees
537.787
Investigation of violation of ground water laws
537.789
Well identification number
537.791
Request for well identification number
537.793
Effect of failure to comply with ORS 537.789 or 537.791
537.795
ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary
537.796
Rules regarding low temperature geothermal appropriations
537.797
Criteria for certification of land surveyors, engineers and geologists to determine work completion
537.798
Water right examiner certificate
537.799
Survey for issuance of water right certificate
537.800
Waste, spring and seepage waters
537.801
Definitions
537.803
Application proposing use of water outside of basin of origin
537.805
Processing of application
537.809
Reservation of water in basin of origin
537.810
Diversion or appropriation of waters from basin of origin without legislative consent prohibited
537.820
Application of provisions to waters forming common boundary between states
537.830
Condemnation of waters for use outside basin of origin
537.835
City of Walla Walla, Washington, may appropriate, impound and divert certain waters from Mill Creek
537.840
Legislative consent
537.850
Suits to protect state interests
537.855
Domestic water supply district permitted to divert water out of state
537.860
Vested rights protected
537.870
Out-of-state municipalities
537.880
Policy
537.885
Licensing or registration required for drilling of geotechnical hole
537.890
Report form
537.895
Water Resources Department Geotechnical Fund
537.990
Criminal penalties
537.992
Civil penalties
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