An Overview of Water in Oregon Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee January 20, 2009 Dr. Brenda Bateman Senior Policy Coordinator Oregon Water Resources Dept.
Outline 1. Brief Overview of the Water Resources Department 2. What Are Some of the Challenges We’re Facing? and What Foundations Are Already in Place? 3. 2009 Legislative Highlights
Overview of Water Resources • Surface water • Ground water
2007 Water Consumption by Sector 2007 W ater Consum ption by Sector Muncipal Systems Domestic Wells Industrial Agriculture
Instream – Another Key Water Use • Fish and wildlife • Recreation • Transportation • Hydropower • Aesthetics / Scenic waterways • Water Quality Purposes = Instream Water Rights
How Is Water Managed in Oregon? • Natural Resources Departments and Commissions • Coordinated through the Governor’s Cabinet Water Resources, Dept. of Environmental Quality, Dept. of Human Services, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Forestry, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Dept. of State Lands, DOE, DOGAMI, DLCD, PUC, Parks and Rec., Dept. of Justice, Columbia River Gorge Commission, Marine Board & more
Oregon Water Resources Department • Water Resources Department (WRD) ~ – The “Water Quantity Agency” – No Federal counterpart – Responsible for allocation and distribution of water – Consults with other agencies in its decision-making • Water Resources Commission has policy oversight Water Resources Commission 2008
Water Resources Department Mission: “Serving the public by practicing and promoting wise long-term water management.” Two co-equal goals: Water Stewardship and Water Supply
How We’re Organized Technical Field Water Rights and Director’s Office Administrative Services Adjudications Services Services 6 39 68 22 12 • Water Resources • Water Distribution • Fiscal Accounting • Information • Water Commission & Budgeting Management • Water Right Rights Program • Policy / Legal Changes • Human Resources • Public Safety • Adjudication Coordination Program • Well Construction • Support Service • Surface Water / • Citizen Response & Inspection Ground Water • Customer • Water Development Public Information Investigation Service Group • Water Supply Loan Program • Intergovernmental & Conservation • Hydroelectric Coordination • Hydrographic Data Program Collection
Dependence on General Fund 2007-09 Legislatively A pproved W RD Budget by Source Federal Funds, Other Funds, $1,176,003 $7,021,101 General Fund, $26,603,527
What Is Oregon Water Law? • Established in 1909 • All water is publicly owned • With some exceptions, water users must obtain a “water right” or permit that establishes a priority date to use water from any source. • Like most western states, Oregon uses the “Doctrine of Prior Appropriation.” • The Dept. is responsible for > 85,000 water rights.
Four Fundamentals of Water Rights •Beneficial Purpose without Waste Surface or ground water may be legally diverted for use only if it is used for a beneficial purpose without waste. •Priority Date The water right priority date determines who gets water in time of shortage. The more senior the water right, the longer water is available. •Appurtenancy Generally, a water right is attached to the land described in the right, as long is the water is used. If the land is sold, the water right goes with the land to the new owner. •Must Be Used Once established, a water right must be used as provided for in the right at lease once every five years, otherwise the right is subject to cancellation.
How Has Water Law Evolved? • The 1955 Ground Water Act authorized the state to manage ground water resources. • Beginning in 1955, Basin Plans authorized the state to manage water at a watershed level. • The 1987 Instream Water Right Act has allowed Oregon to protect more water instream (> 900 cubic feet per second) than any other western state. • The Allocation of Conserved Water Program allows water users to apply conserved water to new lands, new uses, and instream uses.
Manage Water Rights? So How Does WRD
What Are the Challenges We’re Facing? What Foundations Already Exist? • Understanding Our Water Resources • Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs • Managing Our Water Resources
Understanding Our Water Resources
Understanding Our Water Resources Fully Allocated Surface Water - Summer
Understanding Our Water Resources Unallocated Winter Flow
Understanding Our Water Resources Ground Water
Understanding Our Water Resources Climate Change
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs Population Growth Projections The U.S. Census Bureau projects the arrival of another 1 million people in Oregon by 2030.
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs Oregon Water Supply and Conservation Initiative 1. Statewide water demand forecast 2. Inventory of potential water conservation opportunities
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs Oregon Water Supply and Conservation Initiative 1. Statewide water demand forecast 2. Inventory of potential water conservation opportunities 3. Inventory of potential water storage sites (above & below ground) 4. Community water resource planning grants
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs Feasibility Study Grants (SB 1069 in 2008)
Meeting Oregon’s Water Needs Developing and Communicating a Long-Term, Integrated Water Resources Strategy • One of two western states without a water supply plan • Water Resources Commission’s (WRC) statutory authority, with the Department implementing • Partners: Environmental Quality Commission and DEQ, other natural resource and economic agencies, a diverse group of stakeholders • Vehicles for this discussion: SB 193, WRD & DEQ budgets • Building upon a strong foundation
Managing Our Water Resources • Partnering with Communities (HB 5535) • Staffing Needs (WRD’s budget in HB 5551) • Protection/Stewardship (HB 2231 and HB 2232) • Data Needs (Water-Use Measurement SB 194) • Meeting Economic Development Goals (SB 195)
Managing Our Water Resources Partnering with Communities (HB 5535) “From River, to Aq “From River, to Aqui uifer, to Fi fer, to Field elds” The Oregonian , De Dec. c. 27, 2008 27, 2008
Staffing Needs (WRD’s Budget Is in HB 5551) Managing Our Water Resources 147.60
Managing Our Water Resources Protection/Stewardship of Ground Water • Maintaining well inspection and data programs (HB 2231 & HB 2232) •HB 2231 raises “start card” (new well) fee from $125 to $225 per water well. •These fees pay for the Department’s well inspection program. •HB 2232 establishes a new fee for new geotechnical holes ($25 for first well at a project site and $10 thereafter). Rusted, leaky well casing. •These fees pay to collect, process and post data on-line for state agencies, consultants, and property owners to use.
Managing Our Water Resources Data Needs • Ground water data • Surface water stream flow • Surface water use (measured at the diversion)…SB 194
Managing Our Water Resources Meeting Economic Development Goals • Wave Energy (SB 195) •Builds upon HB 2925 & HJM 22 (2007) •Allows small wave energy projects to connect to the grid, and provides for… •Temporary exemption from ORS 543.017(a) (no fish injury) •Special advisory committee to recommend siting standards •Rules promulgated by the Water Resources Commission to require additional protections while the exemption is in effect.
2009 Legislative Highlights • Long-term integrated water resources planning, partnering with DEQ and other agencies (SB 193) • Water-Use Measurement (SB 194) • Wave Energy (SB 195) • Fee Bills (HB 2231 and 2232) • Implementation of the Umatilla Basin Aquifer Recovery Project (SB 5535) • Budget (HB 5551)
Questions? Brenda.O.Bateman@wrd.state.or.us 503-986-0879
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