The Oregon Water Code provides that construction of a water system must be completed within certain time limits from issuance of water use permits (5 years for non-municipal water use permits, and 20 years for municipal permits). ORS 537.230 (“…the holder of a water right permit shall prosecute the construction of any proposed irrigation or […]
New Oregon Water Permit Condition to Begin Construction Read More »
Many Oregonians use water wells on their properties. Since the 1960s, well drillers have been statutorily required to submit well logs to Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”) for each water well they drill or modify. Well drillers are also statutorily required to record identification numbers on any water wells drilled, deepened, converted, or altered since
Does your Oregon water well have a Well Identification Number? Should it? Read More »
Forfeiture We’ve all heard “Use it or Lose it” referring to the Prior Appropriation System. The use it or lose it concept is the term we use for legal forfeiture which will apply to your water rights of use depending on your jurisdiction and type of water right. Generally, this concept requires beneficial use of
101 on Forfeiture vs. Abandonment Under Prior Appropriation Doctrine Read More »
Water resource users are some of the most environmental aware stewards since they must count every precious drop of water necessary to feed the world and provide safe drinking water. In the United States, we celebrate Earth Day: We have a bike-to-work week, we have recycling and environmental preservation programs in our communities, the list
World Environment Day: Sunday, June 5th Read More »
Nevada is taking a close look at water rights of use, thus now is the time to make sure your use rights are in good standing. With a shuffling of basin engineers within the Nevada Division of Water Resources, water rights are being reviewed to determine compliance! Are your rights of use in your name?
Nevada Cracks Down on Water Rights of Use Read More »
BLM’s Sage Grouse Plan Collaboration-Implementation is underway. As part of the BLM’s effort to ensure collaboration and engagement during implementation of the sage grouse plans, the BLM is sending out invitations to stakeholders to begin the dialogue. These invitation only meetings will occur on: April 22nd in Salt Lake City, UT April 26th in Boise,
Sage Grouse Workshop Read More »
In the Northwest, a substantial percentage of our power comes from hydroelectric projects. California’s new legislation requires utilities to provide electricity from 50% renewables by 2030, and Oregon’s new legislation requires the same by 2040. The hydro power industry is viewing these renewable standards as creating continuing demand for hydro power, but several trends are
Renewable Energy Demand Grows; Hydro Power Faces Challenges, Opportunities Read More »
Spring is approaching on the West Coast and we all know what this means: watering season! Time to check your sprinkler systems for leaks, read and record meters, and make sure your system is ready for spring irrigation. Though forecasts were set for an “El Niño” winter on the West Coast, projections from the March
2016 Irrigation Season Read More »
Upon facing the fourth year of consecutive drought, the Nevada Drought Forum formed in April 2015 by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to assist with water resource challenges in the State of Nevada. The Forum was comprised of members representing various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies in charge of managing water resources in the State. In September
Nevada Drought Forum Releases Recommendations Report Read More »
Final rulemaking related to Forest Service permits for Ski Area Water Rights was released on December 30, 2015. Unlike an earlier directive passed in 2011, the Ski Area Water Clause will not require ski areas to transfer water rights to the federal government as a condition of operating on public land. Instead, the new clause will
Forest Service Changes It’s Tune on Transfer of Ski Area Water Rights Read More »
On December 22, 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced funding of more than $19 Million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Nevada. The program funds fall under Nevada’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and provides money for state projects that promote clean water through wastewater treatment projects and improvements to
Nevada Wastewater Funding Approved by EPA Read More »
