Oregon Water Resources - Regulatory Actions in the Upper Willamette Basin

Regulatory actions provided for the protection of senior water rights including instream rights, as well as junior rights by managing the distribution of water and the regulation of unauthorized uses that may injure valid water rights. OWRD field presence and inspection of diversions, along with measurement of available streamflow, ensured compliance with water rights. While it did not necessarily lead to specific conservation projects, regulation of water use is very beneficial to the stream system through monitoring and enforcing water right limitations to protect against unauthorized use and assist in managing the resource. These actions assured that the appropriate amount of water was left instream, protecting critical flows for fish habitat and improving water quality.

Regulatory actions are the mechanism by which OWRD field staff regulate water uses, which ensure that the water resources of Oregon are properly distributed among out-of-stream uses and instream uses. By regulating use, this program protects water and habitat that could otherwise be damaged from abuse of existing water rights and water use without a right. Benefits include increased streamflow, improved habitat, more consistent passage, and improved water quality.