Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 690 - WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT › Division 86 - WATER MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION PLANS › Section 690-086-0010 - Purpose

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(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.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS
				  536.027,
				  537.211  & 540.572
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS
				  537.230,
				  537.630  & 539.010