Consistent and aggressive enforcement of existing state laws prohibiting water waste is needed. By taking the necessary steps to reduce wasteful water use in Oregon, we can increase the amount of water available for instream uses, as well as provide for future growth needs. All users should be required to measure and, when requested by the state, report their water use. Only with this information can the WRD properly manage state's waters for the greatest benefit to the public. Since most water users don't measure or report their water use, it is fair to assume that some irrigators and other users are pumping or diverting more water than they are legally entitled to use.
Anecdotal reports indicate that excessive water use is fairly common.
Another problem is the use of water for, and the diversion of water from, locations other than those specified in the user's permit. Still other users divert water without bothering to secure a permit at all. All of these are forms of illegal water use. Violations of water rights create serious obstacles to effective water management. For example, one bill expanded an exemption allowing irrigation districts to avoid water conservation rules.