Every year the Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”) allows 15 districts to change their place of use without going through a long Transfer Application process. This process, called the Irrigation District Pilot Project, allows one transfer application for every irrigation season. The Project started in 2003 and the Oregon State Legislature has extended it several times. Currently is set to sunset or end on January 2, 2022, and the most recent extension was in 2015 through the SB 267 bill.Â
Through this program irrigation districts are able to change their place of use within their legal boundary only. A simple process for providing transfers in place of use can allow irrigation districts to better serve their users based on the best availability.Â
Below is a list of the Districts who are a part of the Pilot Project for this 2020 season:Â
- Owyhee Irrigation District
- Tualatin Valley Irrigation District
- West Extension Irrigation District
- Westland Irrigation District
- Stanfield Irrigation District
- Hermiston Irrigation District
- Talent Irrigation District
- Rogue River Valley Irrigation District
- Arnold Irrigation District
- Central Oregon Irrigation District
- North Unit Irrigation District
- Ochoco Irrigation District
- Sutherlin Water Control District
If any Districts is unable or does not need to participate in the program, another District may take their place. Districts are identified by OWRD, who then post their information and Watermaster contact information in their public notice, per SB 267 requirement. For more information on types of Water Right Transfer Applications available to irrigation districts visit OWRD’s website regarding district transfers.Â
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