How do I find my Oregon water rights?

You can use the Oregon Water Resources Department query system to search by application or permit number, location, name, or the stream that the water right applies to.

Do I have water rights on my property Oregon?

Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public. Generally speaking, landowners with water flowing past, through, or under their property do not automatically have the right to use that water without authorization from the Department.

Do water rights pass with title in Oregon?

If the land is sold, the water right typically goes with the land to the new owner. Once established, a water right must be used as provided in the right at least once every five years.

Does McGill do surveying?

After becoming a licensed CWRE in 2011, Will McGill Surveying, LLC has specialized in irrigation water rights for the agricultural community in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. We are a member of Santiam Water Control District and Sidney Irrigation Cooperative.

Is it legal to drill your own well in Oregon?

Only the owner of record, a member of the immediate family of the owner of record, or a full time employee of the owner of record, (whose main duties are other than the construction of wells), may operate a well drilling machine under a landowner’s permit.

Do I own the creek on my property in Oregon?

Oregon law provides that all water is publicly owned. With only a few exceptions, a water right is required before any person (including a city, business or other entity) may divert water from its natural course and put it to “beneficial use.”

How deep is the average well in Oregon?

Wells range from less than 300 to as much as 2,525 feet deep. Water levels range from flowing to about 80 feet below land surface.

Do property owners own creeks?

Navigable waters are property of the state, the creek bottom may remain private property, however, depending on where a stream or river lies. If it was merely a seasonal creek or storm runoff, it is likely not considered a navigable…

Who is responsible for creeks?

The following provides a brief summary of the primary applicable regulations: Page 2 Federal: Since the creeks are considered “waters of the United States,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the authority under the Clean Water Act (Section 404) for activities that involve the placement of fill (including rip rap) …

Can an existing well be drilled deeper?

A well is an engineered hole in the ground via which ground water can be brought to the surface. Drilling machines can drill to great depths. Deeper wells usually cost more than a shallow well to construct in the short-run. The well must therefore be drilled deeper than the lowest expected elevation of the water table.

Where to find water rights records in Oregon?

Please refer to the actual water rights records for the details on any water right. Care was taken in the creation of the data but it is provided “as is”. The Water Resources Department cannot accept any responsibility for errors, omission, or accuracy of the information.

Where can I find information on water rights?

The Water Rights Information System (WRIS) is a warehouse of information pertaining to water right applications, permits, certificates, transfers, leases and related information. The information reflected on these pages is derived by interpretations of paper records.

Where does the state of Oregon get its water from?

Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public. With some exceptions, cities, irrigators, businesses, and other water users must obtain a permit or license from the Water Resources Department to use water from any source – whether it is underground, or from lakes or streams.

Are there any warranties for water resources information?

Care was taken in the creation of the data but it is provided “as is”. The Water Resources Department cannot accept any responsibility for errors, omission, or accuracy of the information. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, accompanying this information.