reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.310 - Negotiation for water rights.

(1) The Water Resources Director may negotiate with representatives of any federally recognized Indian tribe that may have a federal reserved water right claim in Oregon and representatives of the federal government as trustee for the federally recognized Indian tribe to define the scope and attributes of rights to water claimed by the federally recognized Indian tribe to satisfy tribal rights under treaty between the United States and the tribes of Oregon. All negotiations in which the director participates under this section shall be open to the public.
(2) During negotiations conducted under subsection (1) of this section, the director shall:
(a) Provide public notice of the negotiations;
(b) Allow for public input through the director; and
(c) Provide regular reports on the progress of the negotiations to interested members of the public. [1987 c.81 §3; 1993 c.67 §2]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.320 - Agreement; submission to court.

When the Water Resources Director and the representatives of any federally recognized Indian tribe that may have a federal reserved water right claim in Oregon and the federal government have completed an agreement, the Water Resources Director shall submit an original copy of the agreement to the appropriate court. The copy shall be signed by the Water Resources Director on behalf of the State of Oregon and by authorized representatives of the Indian tribe and the federal government as trustee for the Indian tribe. [1987 c.81 §4; 1993 c.67 §3]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.330 - Notice to persons affected by agreement.

(1) Upon filing of the agreement with the appropriate court under ORS 539.320, the Water Resources Director shall notify owners of water right certificates or permits that may be affected by the agreement:
(a) That the agreement has been filed with the court; and
(b) Of the time and manner specified by the court for filing an exception to the agreement.
(2) Unless notice by registered mail is required by the court, the notice required under subsection (1) of this section may be given by:
(a) Publication; or
(b) Any other method the director considers necessary. [1987 c.81 §5]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.340 - Court decree; effective date of agreement; remand.

(1) An agreement negotiated under ORS 539.310 to 539.330 shall not be effective unless and until incorporated in a final court decree, after the court has provided an opportunity for an owner of a water right certificate or permit that may be affected by the agreement or for a claimant in an adjudication that may be affected by the agreement to submit an exception to the agreement.
(2) If the court does not sustain an exception, the court shall issue a final decree incorporating the agreement as submitted without alteration.
(3) If the court sustains an exception to the agreement, the court shall remand the agreement to the Water Resources Director for further negotiation according to the provisions of ORS 539.300 to 539.350, if desired by the parties to the agreement. [1987 c.81 §6; 1997 c.708 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.350 - Procedures after remand of agreement.

Within 180 days after the court remands the agreement under ORS 539.340, the Water Resources Director shall file with the court:
(1) An amended agreement complying with ORS 539.320, which shall be subject to the procedure specified by ORS 539.330;
(2) A motion to dismiss the proceedings, which shall be granted by the court; or
(3) A stipulated motion for a continuance for a period not to exceed 180 days, within which period the parties shall submit to the court an amended agreement, a motion to dismiss or a motion for further continuance. [1987 c.81 §7]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 539 - Chapter 539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes › Section 539.360 - Participation in management of Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement.

(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Joint management entity" means the entity that is:
(A) Composed of the landowner entity, the Klamath Tribes, the United States and the State of Oregon; and
(B) Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the settlement agreement.
(b) "Landowner entity" means the entity formed by eligible landowners as provided in section 8 of the settlement agreement.
(c) "Settlement agreement" means the Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement dated April 18, 2014.
(2) The Water Resources Department may participate in activities related to the joint management entity that are consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement. The activities may include, but need not be limited to:
(a) Providing assistance in the formation of an Oregon tax-exempt nonprofit corporation to function as the joint management entity for the settlement agreement;
(b) Drafting and giving approval of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the corporation;
(c) Participating as a voting member of the board of directors for the corporation; and
(d) Participating as a member of the technical team for the corporation. [2015 c.449 §1]
Note:
The Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement terminated December 28, 2017, following a negative determination by the United States Secretary of the Interior.
Note:
539.360 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 539 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.010 - Water districts; creation; purposes.

The Water Resources Commission shall divide the state into water districts, which shall be so constituted as to secure the best protection to the claimants for water and the most economical supervision on the part of the state. Water districts shall not be created until necessary. [Amended by 1985 c.673 §82]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.020 - Watermasters; appointment; removal; powers of Water Resources Director.

(1) The Water Resources Director shall appoint one watermaster for each water district. The watermaster shall hold office until removed by the director, and shall be subject to any applicable provision of the State Personnel Relations Law. The director shall fill all vacancies which occur in the office.
(2) The director, or any duly authorized assistant, shall have the powers and authority of a watermaster in the distribution of water in any water district. [Amended by 1985 c.421 §5]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.030 - Water Resources Director; duties regarding water distribution.

The Water Resources Director shall:
(1) Have general control over the watermasters.
(2) Execute the laws relative to the distribution of water and perform other functions as may be assigned to the director. [Amended by 1953 c.395 §3; 1985 c.673 §82a]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.045 - Watermaster duties.

(1) Each watermaster shall:
(a) Regulate the distribution of water among the various users of water from any natural surface or ground water supply in accordance with the users’ existing water rights of record in the Water Resources Department.
(b) Upon the request of the users, distribute water among the various users under any partnership ditch, pipeline or well or from any reservoir, in accordance with the users’ existing water rights of record in the department.
(c) Divide the waters of the natural surface and ground water sources and other sources of water supply among the canals, ditches, pumps, pipelines and reservoirs taking water from the source for beneficial use, by regulating, adjusting and fastening the headgates, valves or other control works at the several points of diversion of surface water or the several points of appropriation of ground water, according to the users’ relative entitlements to water.
(d) Attach to the headgate, valve or other control works the watermaster regulates under paragraph (c) of this subsection, a written notice dated and signed by the watermaster, setting forth that the headgate, valve or other control works has been properly regulated and is wholly under the control of the watermaster.
(e) Perform any other duties the Water Resources Director may require.
(2) When a watermaster must rely on a well log or other documentation to regulate the use or distribution of ground water, the regulation shall be in accordance with ORS 537.545 (4).
(3) For purposes of regulating the distribution or use of water, any stored water released in excess of the needs of water rights calling on that stored water shall be considered natural flow, unless the release is part of a water exchange under the control of, and approved by, the watermaster.
(4) As used in this section, "existing water rights of record" includes all completed permits, certificates, licenses and ground water registration statements filed under ORS 537.605 and related court decrees. [1985 c.421 §3; 1989 c.691 §15; 1991 c.102 §11; 1993 c.157 §5; 1995 c.673 §3; 2009 c.819 §3]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.050 - Appearance of district attorney.

The district attorney shall appear on behalf of the Water Resources Director or any watermaster in any case which may arise in the pursuance of the official duties of the director or watermaster within the jurisdiction of the district attorney. [Amended by 1985 c.421 §6]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.060 - Arrest by watermaster; complaint against offender.

The watermaster or an assistant appointed by the watermaster shall have power to arrest any person violating a provision of the Water Rights Act (as defined in ORS 537.010), ORS 537.120 to 537.360 or 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992 and turn the person over to the sheriff or other competent police officer within the county. At the time the watermaster delivers the arrested person into the custody of the sheriff, the watermaster or assistant watermaster making the arrest shall file a complaint, as defined in ORS 131.005, against the person arrested. [Amended by 1957 c.341 §11; 1985 c.421 §7]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.075 - Office and equipment for watermaster.

(1) The county court or board of county commissioners of each county in which the water district of the watermaster is located shall furnish the watermaster a suitable office and office equipment.
(2) If a water district includes all or parts of two or more counties, the office of the watermaster for the water district shall be in the county designated by the Water Resources Director and the county court or board of county commissioners of that county shall provide a suitable office with necessary office equipment for the watermaster. [1985 c.421 §2]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.080 - Assistant watermasters; compensation and expenses; termination.

(1) With the approval of the Water Resources Director, a watermaster may employ assistants to aid in the discharge of the watermaster’s duties. The assistants shall take the same oath as the watermaster and shall obey the watermaster’s instructions. Compensation and actual and necessary traveling expenses of an assistant shall be paid by the county court or board of county commissioners upon certificates of the watermaster by an order made at a regular term when sitting for the transaction of county business. If no provision for such payment is made, the assistant’s compensation and expenses shall be paid by the water users concerned, as provided in ORS 540.100 to 540.130.
(2) The term of service of an assistant watermaster may be terminated at any time by the director or the watermaster. [Amended by 1957 c.546 §3; 1961 c.636 §2; 1985 c.421 §8]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.100 - Division of water among users; payment.

(1) When water users are unable to agree to the distribution or division of water, a majority of them may request the watermaster of the district in which the distribution or division is in dispute to make a just division or distribution of water among the parties entitled to the use of the water. The request shall be in writing and shall set forth the pertinent facts of the dispute.
(2) If no provision has been made for payment of the necessary assistant watermaster or expenses as provided by ORS 540.080, the assistant shall be paid by the water users among whom the distribution or division is made.
(3) The expense of any assistant watermaster shall be paid by the water users in proportion to the area of land for which each water user is entitled to the use of water, so that each one shall pay the same rate per acre. [Amended by 1957 c.546 §5; 1961 c.636 §4; 1979 c.18 §2; 1985 c.421 §9]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.120 - Lien for wages and expense; notice; foreclosure.

(1) If one or more of the water users concerned in a distribution or division under ORS 540.100 pay the wages and expenses for another user who fails to contribute a just share or proportion of the wages and expenses, the user paying the wages and expenses shall be entitled to a lien upon the lands of the delinquent user entitled to use of water, in the amount of the delinquent user’s just share or proportion.
(2) The lien shall be made effective by filing written notice of intent to claim a lien for payment of wages and expenses under subsection (1) of this section with the county clerk of the county in which the lands of the delinquent water user are situated.
(3) The notice of intent filed under subsection (2) of this section shall:
(a) Be verified by the watermaster or assistant watermaster;
(b) Specify the particular items of wages and expenses for which the lien is claimed;
(c) Describe the lands of each water user upon which the lien is claimed; and
(d) State the name of the owner or reputed owner of the lands.
(4) The lien shall be filed within 60 days from the completion of the distribution or division, and suit to foreclose the lien shall be brought in the circuit court of the county in which the lands or any part of the lands are situated, within six months from the date of filing the notice of lien.
(5) The lien shall be foreclosed in the manner provided by law for the foreclosure of liens against real property. Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in an action to foreclose a lien under this section.
(6) The court may not award attorney fees to the state or a political subdivision of the state if the state or political subdivision prevails in an action to foreclose a lien under this section.
(7) A lien filed under this section shall not be considered an exclusive remedy. [Amended by 1985 c.421 §10; 1995 c.696 §26]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.130 - Advance payment.

If no provision has been made for payment of the assistant watermaster or expenses as provided in ORS 540.080, before proceeding to make any distribution or division the Water Resources Director may require the water users requesting the distribution or division to pay in advance the estimated compensation and expenses involved in the work. The director shall keep a true and full account of all moneys paid in advance under this section. Upon the expiration of the period for which the services are required, the director shall refund to the water users any unexpended balance of the moneys paid in advance. [Amended by 1957 c.546 §6; 1961 c.636 §5; 1979 c.18 §3; 1985 c.421 §11]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.135 - Disposition of funds collected under ORS 540.100 to 540.130 and 540.220.

Any moneys collected under ORS 540.100 to 540.130 and 540.220 shall be paid to the Water Resources Director and deposited by the director in a revolving fund to be disbursed for the purpose for which it was collected. [1961 c.636 §9; 1985 c.421 §12; 1993 c.18 §128]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.140 - Insufficiency of water; preference of uses.

When the waters of any natural stream are not sufficient for the service of all those desiring the use of the same, those using the water for domestic purposes shall, subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by law, have the preference over those claiming such water for any other purpose, and those using the water for agricultural purposes shall have the preference over those using the same for manufacturing purposes.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.145 - Distribution of water; rules; applicability.

The Water Resources Commission may adopt rules to secure the equal and fair distribution of water in accordance with the rights of the various users. The rules shall apply to all water rights that have been established:
(1) By court decree;
(2) Under an order of the commission or the Water Resources Director in proceedings for the determination of relative rights to the use of water; or
(3) Through permits to appropriate water or certificates of water rights issued by the commission. [1985 c.673 §81]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.150 - Rotation in water use; notice.

To bring about a more economical use of the available water supply, water users owning lands to which are attached water rights may rotate in the use of the supply to which they may be collectively entitled. Whenever two or more water users notify the watermaster that they desire to use the water by rotation, and present a written agreement as to the manner of rotation, the watermaster shall distribute the water in accordance with the written agreement.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.155 - Periodic review and report regarding department program for Deschutes Basin ground water study area.

(1) As used in this section, "Deschutes Basin ground water study area" has the meaning given that term in ORS 540.531.
(2) The Water Resources Department shall periodically review the department program for the Deschutes Basin ground water study area. The review shall include, but need not be limited to, the identification of regulatory and statutory changes that may improve the program in order to address and mitigate injury to existing water rights and spring systems and to offset measurable reductions of scenic waterway flows.
(3) The department shall report to the Legislative Assembly every five years on outcomes of the department program for the Deschutes Basin ground water study area. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, program impacts on other users of the Deschutes River Basin, the potential timing of mitigation, identification of zones of impact, a review of impacts on the headwaters of the Metolius River and other key reaches of the Metolius River system, the potential timing of federal, state and local storage improvements and other issues identified by stakeholders. [2011 c.694 §2]
Note:
540.155 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 540 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.210 - Distribution from ditch or reservoir.

(1) Whenever any water users from any ditch or reservoir, either among themselves or with the owner thereof, are unable to agree relative to the distribution or division of water through or from the ditch or reservoir, either the owner or any such water user may apply to the watermaster of the district in which the ditch or reservoir is located, by written notice, setting forth such facts, and asking the watermaster to take charge of the ditch or reservoir for the purpose of making a just division or distribution of water from it to the parties entitled to the use thereof.
(2) The watermaster shall then take exclusive charge of the ditch or reservoir, for the purpose of dividing or distributing the water therefrom in accordance with the respective and relative rights of the various users of water from the ditch or reservoir, and shall continue the work until the necessity therefor shall cease to exist.
(3) The distribution and division of water shall be made according to the relative and respective rights of the various users from the ditch or reservoir, as determined by the Water Resources Director, by decree of the circuit court, or by written contract between all of the users filed with the watermaster.
(4) The circuit court having jurisdiction may request the watermaster of the district to take charge of any such ditch or reservoir, and to enforce any decree respecting such ditch or reservoir made under the jurisdiction of the court.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.220 - Payment of assistant watermaster.

(1) A watermaster may appoint an assistant to take charge of the ditch, pipeline or reservoir involved in a distribution or division of water under ORS 540.210. The assistant watermaster shall be paid by the water users from the ditch, pipeline or reservoir for the cost of the distribution. The Water Resources Commission may require the water users to pay in advance the estimated compensation and expenses of the assistant involved in the distribution or division of the water.
(2) In the case of partnership ditches, pipelines or mutual irrigation corporations organized for the benefit of the members or stockholders, the expense of the assistant shall be paid by the water users in proportion to the area of land for which each water user is entitled to the use of water from the ditch, pipeline or reservoir, so that each shall pay the same rate per acre.
(3) In the case of ditches, pipelines and reservoirs constructed and operated for sale or rental of water, the wages and expense of the assistant shall be paid by the owner of the ditch, pipeline or reservoir, unless otherwise provided in written contracts with water users using water from the ditches, pipelines and reservoirs involved in the distribution or division of water. [Amended by 1957 c.546 §7; 1961 c.636 §6; 1979 c.18 §4; 1985 c.421 §13; 1985 c.673 §83]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.230 - Distribution of waste or seepage water; payment.

Whenever a watermaster is called upon, in accordance with the provisions of ORS 540.210, to distribute the waters of any ditch containing or carrying waste or seepage water, the holder of the right to the use of such waste or seepage water shall pay the total cost of the installation of measuring devices for the measurement of the waste or seepage water and the total expense of measuring and distributing it.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.240 - Lien for wages and expense; property subject to lien; monthly payment.

In the case of a partnership ditch, pipeline or reservoir, or a ditch, pipeline or reservoir owned in common or by a mutual irrigation company incorporated under the laws of this state, the wages of the assistant watermaster and expenses incurred by the assistant in making the distribution provided for by ORS 540.210 to 540.240, and the necessary and proper expense of installation and maintenance of measuring devices and headgates to provide for the just distribution of water among the several users in accordance with their respective and relative rights, shall be a lien upon the ditch, pipeline or reservoir. The lien shall attach to each tract of land entitled to the use of water for irrigation from the ditch, pipeline or reservoir, and upon the crops produced upon the lands during the irrigation season for which the distribution is made. If a ditch, pipeline or reservoir is owned or operated by a person engaged in the business of selling or renting water from the ditch, pipeline or reservoir, the wages and expense shall be a lien upon the ditch, pipeline or reservoir. The wages and expense shall be paid monthly by the water users, the mutual irrigation company, or the person engaged in the business of selling or renting water from a ditch, pipeline or reservoir. [Amended by 1985 c.421 §14]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.250 - Lien, notice of intent to claim; foreclosure; attorney fees.

(1) If not paid, the lien under ORS 540.240 may be made effective by the assistant filing a notice in writing of intention to claim a lien for the assistant’s wages and expense with the county clerk of the county in which the ditch, pipeline or reservoir and lands are situated.
(2) The notice filed under subsection (1) of this section shall:
(a) Be verified and subscribed by the watermaster or assistant;
(b) Specify the particular items of wages and expense for which the lien is claimed;
(c) Describe the lands of each water user upon which the lien is claimed; and
(d) Set forth the name of the ditch, pipeline or reservoir and the name of the owner or reputed owner of the lands and ditch, pipeline or reservoir against which the lien is claimed.
(3) The lien shall be filed within 60 days from the completion of distribution. Suit to foreclose the lien shall be brought in the circuit court of the county in which all or part of the lands, ditch, pipeline or reservoir, or any part, are situated, within six months from the date of filing the notice.
(4) The lien shall be foreclosed in the manner provided by law for the foreclosure of liens against real property. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in an action to foreclose a lien under this section. [Amended by 1981 c.897 §59; 1985 c.421 §15; 1995 c.618 §81]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.260 - Lien for wages and expense; enforcement; remedy not exclusive.

(1) One or more of the water users from any partnership or mutual irrigation company ditch or pipeline may pay the wages and expense of the assistant watermaster and, as against any other user failing to contribute the user’s share or proportion of the wages and expense, shall be entitled to a lien upon the lands of the delinquent user entitled to the use of water from the ditch, pipeline and reservoir and upon the share or interest of the owner in the ditch, pipeline or reservoir, for the user’s just share or proportion.
(2) The lien shall be made effective by filing a similar notice to that prescribed under ORS 540.250 within 60 days from the date of payment of the wages and expense, with the county clerk. It may be enforced and foreclosed, and the same procedure, including the allowance of reasonable attorney fees, shall be followed in the foreclosure as in the case of a lien claimed and foreclosed by the watermaster under ORS 540.250. The lien shall not be considered an exclusive remedy. [Amended by 1985 c.421 §16]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.270 - Distribution from irrigation districts and improvement companies; applicability of ORS 540.210 to 540.260.

Nothing contained in ORS 540.210 to 540.260 shall be applicable to the distribution of water from the irrigation systems or works of irrigation districts or district improvement companies unless requested by the district. Distribution of water from such irrigation systems or works shall be under the exclusive control of the directors of the irrigation districts and district improvement companies unless the watermaster has been requested by the district to distribute the water. [Amended by 1969 c.303 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.310 - Ditches and canals; headgates; measuring devices; flumes along lines of ditches.

(1) The owner of any ditch or canal shall maintain to the satisfaction of the Water Resources Commission a substantial headgate at the point where the water is diverted. It shall be of such construction that it can be locked and kept closed by the watermaster.
(2) The owner shall construct and maintain, when required by the commission, suitable measuring devices at such points along the ditch as may be necessary to assist the watermaster in determining the amount of water that is to be diverted into the ditch from the stream, or taken from it by the various users.
(3) When necessary for the protection of other water users, the commission may require flumes to be installed along the line of any ditch. [Amended by 1985 c.673 §84]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.320 - Noncompliance with requirements; effect.

If any owner of irrigation works refuses or neglects to construct and put in headgates, flumes or measuring devices, as required under ORS 540.310, after 10 days’ notice, the watermaster may close the ditch, and it shall not be opened or any water diverted from the source of supply, under the penalties prescribed by law for the opening of headgates lawfully closed, until the requirements of the Water Resources Commission as to such headgates, flumes or measuring devices have been complied with. [Amended by 1985 c.673 §85]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.330 - Reservoirs; measuring devices; effect of noncompliance.

(1) Any owner or manager of a reservoir, located across or upon the bed of a natural stream, shall construct and maintain, when required by the Water Resources Commission, a measuring device below, and one above, the reservoir on each stream or source of supply discharging into the reservoir, to assist the watermaster in determining the amount of water to which appropriators are entitled and thereafter diverting it for their use.
(2) If any owner or manager of a reservoir located across the bed of a natural stream neglects or refuses to put in a measuring device after 10 days’ notice by the commission, the watermaster may open the sluicegate or outlet of the reservoir, and it shall not be closed, under penalties of the law for changing or interfering with headgates, until the requirements of the commission as to such measuring devices are complied with. [Amended by 1985 c.673 §86]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.340 - Reservoir and diversion dam; suitable outlet; effect of noncompliance.

(1) Whenever it may be necessary for the protection of other water users, the Water Resources Commission shall require every owner or manager of a reservoir or diversion dam, located across or upon the bed of a natural stream, to construct and maintain a suitable outlet in the reservoir or diversion dam which will allow the free passage of the natural flow of the stream. The commission shall determine what constitutes a suitable outlet.
(2) If any owner or manager of a reservoir or diversion dam refuses or neglects to construct or put in such outlet in the reservoir or diversion dam after 10 days’ notice by the commission, the commission may close the ditch carrying water from the reservoir or diversion dam and it shall not be opened or any water diverted from the reservoir or diversion dam, under the penalties prescribed by law for the opening of headgates lawfully closed, until the requirements of the commission regarding such outlet have been complied with. [Amended by 1985 c.673 §87]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.355 - Inspection, evaluation and assessment of hydraulic structures.

(1) The Water Resources Department may inspect, evaluate and assess the condition of a levee, dike, ditch or other hydraulic structure with the permission of the owner.
(2) In performing the actions under subsection (1) of this section, the department may:
(a) Provide recommendations and technical assistance;
(b) Advise on necessary maintenance and repairs;
(c) Assist with the development of emergency action plans to ensure the safety of life, property or public infrastructure;
(d) Undertake activities necessary to identify the owner or operator of the hydraulic structure or the individual in immediate charge of the hydraulic structure;
(e) Assist with mapping the locations of hydraulic structures;
(f) Enter into contracts, memorandums of understanding and intergovernmental agreements;
(g) Accept and receive moneys from any public or private source;
(h) Accept and receive payment for services performed; and
(i) Exchange information and perform other actions as necessary to cooperate with private, local, state and federal entities.
(3) The department’s actions under this section shall not relieve the owners of levees, dikes, ditches or other hydraulic structures of their legal liabilities and responsibilities.
(4) If the department is aware of conditions that indicate the need for immediate action to prevent the failure of a hydraulic structure, the department may:
(a) Advise the owner or operator of the hydraulic structure or the individual in immediate charge of the hydraulic structure regarding the actions necessary to prevent the failure; and
(b) If the conditions create a risk to life, property or public infrastructure, notify emergency managers.
(5) The Water Resources Commission may adopt rules for the administration of this section. [2015 c.667 §5; 2019 c.390 §20]
Note:
540.355 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 540 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.410 - Delivery of reservoir water; notice to watermaster; adjustment of headgates; expenses; payment.

Whenever the owner, manager or lessee of a reservoir constructed under the provisions of the Water Rights Act, as defined in ORS 537.010, desires to use the bed of a stream, or other watercourse, to carry stored or impounded water from the reservoir to the consumer of the water, the owner, manager or lessee shall, in writing, notify the watermaster of the district in which the stored or impounded water from the reservoir is to be used, giving the date when it is proposed to discharge water from the reservoir, its volume, and the names of all persons and ditches entitled to its use. The watermaster shall then close, or so adjust the headgates of all ditches from the stream or watercourse, not entitled to the use of such stored water, as will enable those having the right to secure the volume to which they are entitled. The watermaster shall keep a true and just account of the time spent in the discharge of the watermaster’s duties as defined in this section, and the Water Resources Commission shall present a bill of one-half the expense so incurred to the reservoir owner, manager or lessee. If the owner, manager or lessee neglects for 30 days, after presentation of the bill of costs, to pay it, the costs shall be made a charge upon the reservoir and the state shall have a preference lien therefor. Upon notice from the commission, the Attorney General shall foreclose the lien and collect the amount due, as provided in this section, in the same manner as other liens on real property are foreclosed. [Amended by 1955 c.39 §1; 1961 c.636 §7; 1985 c.673 §93]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.420 - Jointly owned ditches; performance by co-owner; recovery for default.

In all cases where ditches are owned by two or more persons and one or more of such persons fails or neglects to do a proportionate share of the work necessary for the proper maintenance and operation of the ditch, or to construct suitable headgates or measuring devices at the points where water is diverted from the main ditch, the owner desiring the performance of such work may, after having given 10 days’ written notice to the other owner who has failed to perform a proportionate share of the work, perform such share, and recover therefor from the person in default the reasonable expense of the work.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.430 - Nonpayment by ditch co-owner; lien on interest; foreclosure; stoppage of water delivery.

(1) Upon the failure of any co-owner to pay a proportionate share of the expense, as mentioned in ORS 540.420, within 30 days after receiving a statement of the same as performed by the co-owner, the latter may secure payment of the claim by filing an itemized and sworn statement thereof, setting forth the date of performance and the nature of the labor performed, with the county clerk of the county wherein the ditch is situated. When so filed it shall constitute a valid lien against the interest of the person in default, which lien may be established and enforced in the same manner as provided by law for the enforcement of mechanic’s liens.
(2) In lieu of proceeding to enforce the lien, the person performing the labor may file an itemized and sworn statement with the watermaster of the district within which the ditch is located, setting forth the date of performance, the nature of the labor performed, the total expense incurred by the person and the proportion of the expense each owner should pay, together with a written request that the watermaster take charge of the distribution of the water from the ditch to the parties entitled to the use thereof. Thereupon the watermaster may proceed to distribute the water in accordance with established rights. However, if an owner or user has not paid the proportion of expenses of the owner or user incurred for the proper maintenance and operation of the ditch, the watermaster may serve such party with written notice, personally, by registered mail or by certified mail with return receipt, setting forth the proportion of expenses incurred for which the owner or user is obligated to pay. If the party so served refuses or neglects to pay that part of the expense within 10 days after the serving or mailing of the notice, the watermaster may refuse to deliver water to be used upon the lands of such person until after the expense has been paid. [Amended by 1991 c.249 §52]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.435 - Installation of totalizing measuring device; annual water use report; hearing; effect of failure to comply with order.

(1) In addition to any other authority of the Water Resources Commission to order installation of a measuring device, if the commission finds accurate water use information necessary because of serious water management problems created by ground water decline, unresolved user disputes or frequent water shortages, the commission by rule may require a water right owner using any surface or ground water source within the state to install a totalizing measuring device and to submit annually a water use report.
(2) Before the commission implements any requirements under subsection (1) of this section the commission shall:
(a) Cause a hearing to be conducted in the affected area to determine whether a serious management problem exists; and
(b) Allow any affected person an opportunity to present alternative methods or devices that could be used to provide the information necessary to manage the water resource or to alleviate the water management problem.
(3) The watermaster may prohibit the diversion or use of water by anyone who has failed to comply with a commission rule or order requiring installation of measuring devices or submission of a water use report. [1987 c.649 §7]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.440 - Owner to clear weeds from ditch right of way.

All persons owning or controlling any water ditches shall keep their right of way along the ditches clean and free from wild oats, mustard, thistles, or any weeds or noxious grasses whatsoever. [Amended by 2011 c.9 §73]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food › Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures › Section 540.443 - Definitions for ORS 540.443 to 540.491.

As used in ORS 540.443 to 540.491:
(1) "Construct" means:
(a) To build a new dam;
(b) To modify dam height; or
(c) To make modifications to a dam that:
(A) Do not include modifying dam height, performing maintenance actions or removing a dam;
(B) Have a potential impact on the safe functioning of the dam; and
(C) Are to an extent that the modified dam structures no longer conform to the original design.
(2) "Dam" means:
(a) A hydraulic structure built above the natural ground gradeline that is used to impound water or wastewater; and
(b) Appurtenant structures on or adjacent to hydraulic structures described in paragraph (a) of this subsection that affect the stability of, or the control of water through or away from, the hydraulic structure.
(3) "Dam failure" means a rapid, sudden and uncontrolled release of water or wastewater due to loss of dam integrity.
(4) "Emergency action plan" means a plan that assists a dam owner or operator, and local emergency management personnel, to perform actions to ensure human safety in the event of a potential or actual dam failure.
(5) "High hazard rating" means that the department expects loss of human life to occur if a dam fails.
(6) "Maintenance action" means measures that are necessary to address a condition that, if left unaddressed, may cause a dam to become unsafe or potentially unsafe.
(7) "Potentially unsafe" means that, based on an inspection or analysis:
(a) It is probable that a dam cannot withstand an extreme flood or earthquake; or
(b) The dam has a high risk of internal erosion.
(8) "Significant hazard rating" means the department does not expect loss of life to occur if a dam fails, but does expect extensive damage to property or public infrastructure.
(9) "Unsafe" means that, based on an inspection or analysis:
(a) It is probable that a dam cannot be depended upon to retain or pass water or wastewater as designed or operated; and
(b) Inability of the dam to retain or pass water or wastewater as designed or operated could result in dam failure. [2019 c.390 §2]