It’s that time of year again! As 2018 draws to a close, Schroeder Law Offices wants to remind Oregon water users that the deadline to submit water use measurements to the Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”) is December 31, 2018.
Many permits and certificates for both surface and groundwater rights contain language specifying the type of meter and frequency of measurements and reporting required in order for the user to remain in compliance with the terms of their water use rights. These requirements are typically along the lines of:
Before water use begins, the user must install a meter or other suitable measuring device approved by the Director at each point of appropriation or diversion. After use begins, the user must maintain the device in good working order.
The user must keep a monthly record of the volume of water diverted, and submit a report which includes these measurements to the Department annually, or more frequently if required by the Director. Further, the Director may require the user to report general water use information, including the place and nature of use of water under the permit.
Not all water users are required to report their water use; therefore, it is important to be aware of the conditions set forth in your permits and certificates and to make sure you remain in compliance.
If the water use reporting condition is included, you can find the reporting form on OWRD’s website here. You can also report your water use online here. You will note that the “water year,” as outlined in the reporting form, runs from October through September, annually.
Schroeder encourages water users with this condition to take meter readings at the end of each month and to keep that information in their files along with a copy of the reports submitted to OWRD annually.
Stay tuned to Schroeder Law Offices’ blog for more helpful tips and reminders, and don’t forget to submit your reports by December 31, 2018!
