2025 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food
Chapter 541 - Water Distributors; Water Releases; Conservation and Storage; Water Development Projects; Watershed Management and Enhancement

WATER COMPANIES ORGANIZED UNDER 1891 ACT

• Section 541.010 - Furnishing of water for certain purposes declared to be a public use; rates; amendment of law.
• Section 541.020 - Construction of ditches and canals by corporation; route across lands.
• Section 541.030 - Ditches and canals across state lands; grant of right of way.
• Section 541.040 - Headgate; mode of construction.
• Section 541.050 - Leakage or overflow; liability; exception.
• Section 541.055 - District liability for seepage and leakage from water or flood control works; limitation on commencement of action.
• Section 541.060 - Waste of water; flooding premises; unnecessary diversion.
• Section 541.070 - Ditches, canals and flumes as real estate.
• Section 541.080 - Suits involving water rights; parties; decree as to priorities.

APPROPRIATION OF WATER FOR MINING AND ELECTRIC POWER UNDER 1899 ACT

• Section 541.110 - Use of water to develop mineral resources and furnish power.
• Section 541.120 - Ditches and canals through lands; use of existing ditch by others than owner; joint liability.
• Section 541.130 - Right of way for ditches across state lands.
• Section 541.210 [Repealed by 1953 c.328 §2]

APPROPRIATION OF WATER BY THE UNITED STATES

• Section 541.220 - Survey of stream system; delivery of data to Attorney General; suits for determination of water rights.
• Section 541.230 - State lands within irrigated area; restrictions on sale; conveyance of lands needed by United States.
• Section 541.240 - Right of way for ditches and canals; reservation in conveyances.
• Section 541.250 - Cession to United States not rescinded.

SUITS FOR DETERMINATION OF WATER RIGHTS UNDER 1905 ACT

• Section 541.310 - Suits for determination of rights; parties; survey of stream; disbursements.
• Section 541.320 - Decrees adjudicating rights; filing; statement as to matters adjudicated.

DISTRICT WATER RIGHTS MAPPING

• Section 541.325 - Definitions for ORS 541.327 to 541.333.
• Section 541.327 - Failure or refusal of district to act; joint applications; eligible participants.
• Section 541.329 - Petition for approval of district map; contents; notice to users; corrections.
• Section 541.331 - Protest against approval of petition; hearing; issuance of water right certificate; land subject to inclusion.
• Section 541.333 - Application for change of place of use, point of diversion or use; contents; form of map.
• Section 541.345 [Formerly 536.600; repealed by 1999 c.1026 §29]
• Section 541.347 [1993 c.601 §1; repealed by 1999 c.1026 §3 (541.353 enacted in lieu of 541.347)]
• Section 541.350 [1987 c.734 §1; 1995 c.187 §1; repealed by 1999 c.1026 §1 (541.351 enacted in lieu of 541.350)]
• Section 541.351 [1999 c.1026 §2 (enacted in lieu of 541.350); 2011 c.643 §7; renumbered 541.890 in 2011]
• Section 541.353 [1999 c.1026 §4 (enacted in lieu of 541.347); renumbered 541.895 in 2011]
• Section 541.355 [1987 c.734 §2; 1995 c.187 §2; 1999 c.1026 §20; repealed by 2001 c.841 §5]
• Section 541.360 [1987 c.734 §3; 1995 c.187 §3; 1999 c.1026 §8; 2011 c.643 §20; renumbered 541.900 in 2011]
• Section 541.362 [1999 c.1026 §9; renumbered 541.902 in 2011]
• Section 541.363 [1999 c.1026 §10; renumbered 541.904 in 2011]
• Section 541.365 [1987 c.734 §5; 2001 c.841 §3a; 2001 c.842 §1; renumbered 541.920 in 2011]
• Section 541.368 [1999 c.1026 §6; renumbered 541.918 in 2011]
• Section 541.370 [1987 c.734 §6; 1995 c.187 §4; 1997 c.8 §8; 1999 c.59 §174; 1999 c.1026 §11; 2001 c.708 §15; 2011 c.643 §21; renumbered 541.926 in 2011]
• Section 541.371 [1999 c.1026 §12; 2011 c.643 §18; renumbered 541.929 in 2011]
• Section 541.372 [1991 c.657 §2; renumbered 541.949 in 2011]
• Section 541.373 [2003 c.452 §3; 2011 c.643 §17; renumbered 541.950 in 2011]
• Section 541.375 [1987 c.734 §7; 1989 c.171 §71; 1995 c.187 §5; 1997 c.7 §8; 1999 c.1026 §13; 2011 c.643 §§22,30a; renumbered 541.932 in 2011]
• Section 541.376 [2001 c.645 §2; 2011 c.643 §23; renumbered 541.960 in 2011]
• Section 541.377 [1999 c.1026 §7; 2003 c.14 §346; 2011 c.643 §1; renumbered 541.940 in 2011]
• Section 541.378 [1999 c.1026 §7a; 2007 c.217 §6; repealed by 2011 c.643 §25]
• Section 541.379 [1999 c.1026 §7b; 2011 c.643 §26; renumbered 541.953 in 2011]
• Section 541.380 [1987 c.734 §8; 1997 c.7 §9; 1999 c.270 §5; 1999 c.1026 §14; 2001 c.708 §16; renumbered 541.396 in 2001]
• Section 541.381 [2001 c.708 §13; 2007 c.608 §3; renumbered 541.937 in 2011]
• Section 541.382 [Formerly 541.385; repealed by 1999 c.1026 §29]
• Section 541.384 [1993 c.601 §2; 1995 c.187 §6; renumbered 541.923 in 2011]
• Section 541.385 [1987 c.734 §4; renumbered 541.382 in 1995]

NORTH UMPQUA RIVER DAMS

• Section 541.386 - Dams and use of water for hydroelectric generation on North Umpqua prohibited; exceptions.
• Section 541.388 [1993 c.601 §3; 1995 c.187 §7; 1999 c.300 §1; renumbered 541.910 in 2011]
• Section 541.390 [1987 c.734 §9; 2001 c.104 §228; renumbered 541.912 in 2011]
• Section 541.392 [Formerly 541.400; 1999 c.1026 §15; 2011 c.643 §24; renumbered 541.963 in 2011]
• Section 541.393 - Responsibility of government entity for repair or maintenance costs of dams on North Umpqua.
• Section 541.395 [1987 c.734 §10; renumbered 541.965 in 2011]
• Section 541.396 [Formerly 541.380; 2007 c.354 §19; renumbered 541.906 in 2011]
• Section 541.397 [1997 c.8 §4; 1999 c.1026 §15b; 2011 c.643 §28; renumbered 541.954 in 2011]
• Section 541.399 [1997 c.8 §5; 1999 c.1026 §16; repealed by 2011 c.643 §15]
• Section 541.400 [1993 c.601 §4; 1995 c.187 §8; renumbered 541.392 in 1997]
• Section 541.401 [1997 c.8 §6; 2011 c.643 §14; renumbered 541.958 in 2011]
• Section 541.403 [1997 c.8 §7; repealed by 1999 c.1026 §29]
• Section 541.405 [1997 c.7 §1; 1999 c.270 §3; 1999 c.1026 §5; 2001 c.841 §4; 2003 c.452 §1; 2007 c.354 §20; renumbered 541.898 in 2011]
• Section 541.407 [1997 c.7 §4; 1999 c.244 §1; 1999 c.270 §6; 1999 c.1026 §21; 2007 c.354 §21; repealed by 2011 c.272 §25]
• Section 541.409 [1997 c.7 §5; 1999 c.270 §7; 1999 c.1026 §22; 2007 c.354 §22; renumbered 541.914 in 2011]
• Section 541.410 [Renumbered 541.430 in 1997]
• Section 541.411 [1997 c.7 §10; 1999 c.270 §8; 2007 c.354 §23; renumbered 541.916 in 2011]
• Section 541.413 [1997 c.7 §13; 1999 c.270 §9; 1999 c.1026 §23; 2007 c.354 §24; renumbered 541.967 in 2011]
• Section 541.415 [1999 c.1026 §17; renumbered 541.935 in 2011]
• Section 541.420 [2001 c.841 §1; 2007 c.354 §25; renumbered 541.972 in 2011]
• Section 541.423 [2003 c.539 §31; 2007 c.608 §4; renumbered 541.973 in 2017]
• Section 541.425 [2007 c.608 §1; renumbered 541.974 in 2017]
• Section 541.426 [2007 c.608 §2; renumbered 541.975 in 2017]

USE OF WATER TO OPERATE WATER-RAISING MACHINERY

• Section 541.430 - Use of machinery by riparian owner to raise water; prior rights of others.

SPLASH DAMS

• Section 541.450 - Definitions for ORS 541.450 to 541.460.
• Section 541.455 - Splash dams unlawful.
• Section 541.460 - Abatement proceedings by Attorney General.

RELEASE OF WATER FROM IMPOUNDMENT OR DIVERSION STRUCTURE

• Section 541.510 - Authority of Water Resources Commission to require signs warning public of stream level fluctuation.
• Section 541.515 - Notice by commission when hazard created by release of stored water.
• Section 541.520 - Procedure when owner or operator of structure fails to request hearing; order regulating release of water.
• Section 541.525 - Hearing upon request of owner or operator of structure; notice and conduct of hearing.
• Section 541.530 - Order of commission regulating release of water.
• Section 541.535 - Installation of automatic stream level recording devices.
• Section 541.540 - Procedure in emergency when release of water essential.
• Section 541.545 - Compliance with orders of commission; enforcement.
• Section 541.550 [1987 c.855 §3; 1989 c.904 §69; renumbered 196.600 in 1989]

WATER PROJECT SUPPORT PROVIDERS

• Section 541.551 - Requirements for providers of water project support.
• Section 541.555 [1987 c.855 §2; renumbered 196.605 in 1989]
• Section 541.557 [1987 c.855 §7; renumbered 196.610 in 1989]
• Section 541.560 [1987 c.855 §8; renumbered 196.615 in 1989]

WATER PROJECT FEASIBILITY GRANTS

• Section 541.561 - Establishment of grant program; direct service cost payment; cost match; limitations; project evaluation.
• Section 541.565 [1987 c.855 §9; renumbered 196.620 in 1989]
• Section 541.566 - Studies eligible for grants or direct service cost payments.
• Section 541.567 [1987 c.855 §10; renumbered 196.625 in 1989]
• Section 541.570 [1987 c.855 §12; renumbered 196.630 in 1989]
• Section 541.575 [1987 c.855 §13; renumbered 196.635 in 1989]
• Section 541.576 - Water Project Feasibility Fund.
• Section 541.577 [1987 c.855 §4; 1989 c.966 §60; renumbered 196.640 in 1989]
• Section 541.580 [1987 c.855 §6; renumbered 196.645 in 1989]
• Section 541.581 - Rules for grant and direct service cost payment program.
• Section 541.585 [1987 c.855 §5; renumbered 196.650 in 1989]
• Section 541.587 [1987 c.855 §11; renumbered 196.655 in 1989]
• Section 541.590 [1987 c.855 §19; renumbered 196.660 in 1989]
• Section 541.595 [1987 c.855 §1a; renumbered 196.665 in 1989]
• Section 541.600 [2009 c.907 §18; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.605 [1967 c.567 §2; 1971 c.509 §4; 1971 c.754 §1; 1973 c.330 §1; 1973 c.674 §1; 1977 c.417 §2; 1977 c.418 §1; 1979 c.564 §1; 1989 c.837 §4; renumbered 196.670 and then 196.800 in 1989]
• Section 541.606 [2009 c.907 §16; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.610 [1967 c.567 §1; 1971 c.754 §2; 1973 c.330 §2; 1973 c.674 §2; 1977 c.418 §2; 1979 c.564 §2; renumbered 196.675 and then 196.805 in 1989]
• Section 541.611 [2009 c.907 §19; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.615 [1967 c.567 §3; 1971 c.754 §3; 1989 c.837 §15; renumbered 196.680 and then 196.810 in 1989]
• Section 541.616 [2009 c.907 §21; 2009 c.907 §42; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.620 [1967 c.567 §4; 1969 c.338 §4; 1971 c.754 §4; 1973 c.674 §3, 1977 c.418 §3; 1977 c.564 §6; 1989 c.1039 §1; renumbered 196.685 and then 196.815 in 1989]
• Section 541.621 [2009 c.907 §22; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.622 [1977 c.120 §2; 1987 c.160 §1; renumbered 196.690 and then 196.820 in 1989]
• Section 541.625 [1967 c.567 §5; 1969 c.593 §49; 1971 c.754 §5; 1973 c.330 §3; 1973 c.674 §6; 1977 c.417 §1; 1979 c.200 §1; 1979 c.564 §3a; 1981 c.796 §1; 1987 c.70 §1; 1989 c.837 §16; 1989 c.904 §70; renumbered 196.695 and then 196.825 in 1989]
• Section 541.626 [1979 c.564 §5; 1981 c.796 §2; 1983 c.827 §56; 1989 c.837 §5; renumbered 196.700 and then 196.830 in 1989]
• Section 541.627 [1973 c.674 §5; 1979 c.564 §6; renumbered 196.705 and then 196.835 in 1989]
• Section 541.630 [1967 c.567 §6; 1971 c.754 §6; 1973 c.330 §4; 1973 c.674 §7; 1981 c.796 §3; renumbered 196.710 and then 196.840 in 1989]
• Section 541.631 [2009 c.907 §23; 2009 c.907 §30; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.635 [1967 c.567 §7; 1971 c.754 §7; renumbered 196.715 and then 196.845 in 1989]
• Section 541.636 [2009 c.907 §24; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.640 [1967 c.567 §8; 1971 c.754 §8; 1973 c.330 §5; 1973 c.674 §8; 1981 c.796 §4; repealed by 1989 c.837 §8 (196.718 enacted in lieu of 541.640)]
• Section 541.641 [2009 c.907 §27; 2009 c.907 §43; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.645 [1967 c.567 §9; 1971 c.754 §9; 1989 c.837 §17; renumbered 196.720 and then 196.855 in 1989]
• Section 541.646 [2009 c.907 §28; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.650 [1967 c.567 §10; 1971 c.754 §10; 1973 c.330 §6; 1973 c.674 §9; 1985 c.414 §1; 1989 c.837 §18; renumbered 196.725 and then 196.860 in 1989]

WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

• Section 541.651 - Definitions for ORS 541.651 to 541.696.
• Section 541.653 - Purpose and application of ORS 541.651 to 541.696.
• Section 541.655 [1967 c.567 §11; 1971 c.754 §11; 1973 c.330 §7; 1973 c.674 §10; 1985 c.414 §2; renumbered 196.730 and then 196.865 in 1989]
• Section 541.656 - Water Supply Development Account.
• Section 541.657 - Exemptions for certain expenditures of moneys from Water Supply Development Account; loan and grant agreements.
• Section 541.659 - Loan and grant applicants.
• Section 541.660 [1967 c.567 §12; 1973 c.330 §8; 1973 c.674 §11; 1979 c.284 §166; 1985 c.414 §3; renumbered 196.735 and then 196.870 in 1989]
• Section 541.662 [Enacted by 1973 c.330 §10 and 1973 c.674 §13; 1985 c.545 §7; renumbered 196.740 and then 196.875 in 1989]
• Section 541.663 - Preapplication conferences.
• Section 541.665 [1971 c.754 §14; renumbered 196.745 and then 196.880 in 1989]
• Section 541.666 - Form and contents of loan and grant applications; filing.
• Section 541.669 - Scoring and ranking of projects; funding decisions; rules.
• Section 541.670 [1985 c.545 §6; 1987 c.855 §16; 1989 c.837 §22; renumbered 196.750 and then 196.885 in 1989]
• Section 541.673 - Evaluation for public benefits of project.
• Section 541.675 [1985 c.545 §3; renumbered 196.755 and then 196.890 in 1989]
• Section 541.677 - Target outcomes for scoring and ranking criteria.
• Section 541.680 [1985 c.545 §4; renumbered 196.760 and then 196.895 in 1989]
• Section 541.681 - Conditions of grants for developing certain types of above-ground storage facilities.
• Section 541.683 - Demonstration of public benefits of project.
• Section 541.685 [1985 c.545 §5; renumbered 196.765 and then 196.900 in 1989]
• Section 541.686 - Protection of project water dedicated to in-stream use.
• Section 541.689 - Projects requiring determination of seasonally varying flows; methodology.
• Section 541.692 - Permits; requirements for project operation.
• Section 541.695 [1971 c.754 §12; 1977 c.417 §3; 1989 c.837 §19; renumbered 196.770 and then 196.905 in 1989]
• Section 541.696 - Standards for security of loans from account; rules.
• Section 541.697 - Water Resources Department Water Supply Fund.

WATER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

• Section 541.700 - Definitions for ORS 541.700 to 541.855.
• Section 541.703 - Project applications; preference for approval.
• Section 541.705 - Project applications; contents.
• Section 541.710 - Processing project application; fee.
• Section 541.715 - Applicant authorized to obtain private planning, engineering and construction services.
• Section 541.720 - Conditions for project application approval.
• Section 541.725 [2009 c.907 §2; repealed by 2013 c.784 §40]
• Section 541.730 - Loan contract; repayment plan.
• Section 541.735 - Payment of funds by State Treasurer pursuant to loan contract.
• Section 541.740 - Liens and other loan security; foreclosure; rules.
• Section 541.741 - Recovery of certain interest amounts.
• Section 541.745 - Remedies of commission when water developer fails to comply with contract.
• Section 541.750 - Repayment of moneys to Water Development Administration and Bond Sinking Fund.
• Section 541.755 [1977 c.246 §14; 1991 c.944 §7; 1995 c.79 §304; repealed by 2009 c.907 §15]
• Section 541.756 - Projects obtaining other funds for construction; repayment of funds loaned by state.
• Section 541.760 - Reduction of loan amount when secondary use funding available.
• Section 541.765 - Authorization for loans for certain federal projects.
• Section 541.770 - Federal project loan contract terms; foreclosure.
• Section 541.780 - Bonds to provide project financing.
• Section 541.785 - Disposition and use of bond proceeds.
• Section 541.790 [1977 c.246 §21; repealed by 1981 c.660 §18]
• Section 541.795 [1977 c.246 §22; 1981 c.166 §6; repealed by 1981 c.660 §18]
• Section 541.800 - Payment of bond principal and interest from Water Development Administration and Bond Sinking Fund.
• Section 541.805 [1977 c.246 §24; repealed by 1981 c.660 §18]
• Section 541.810 [1977 c.246 §25; repealed by 1981 c.660 §18]
• Section 541.815 - Limitation on bond issuance amount.
• Section 541.830 - Water Development Administration and Bond Sinking Fund; sources; use; Governor’s approval.
• Section 541.835 - Water Development Fund; use.
• Section 541.840 - Emergency Board request for funds to pay administrative expenses; repayment of board allocations.
• Section 541.845 - Rules.
• Section 541.850 - Commission acceptance of gifts or grants.
• Section 541.855 - Biennial report to Legislative Assembly and Governor.

ADMINISTRATION OF MONSANTO SETTLEMENT MONEYS

• Section 541.857 - Policy.
• Section 541.859 - Definitions.
• Section 541.861 - Environmental Restoration Council; reporting on expenditures; rules.
• Section 541.863 - Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund.
• Section 541.865 - Long-term distribution policy for Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund; annual transfers.
• Section 541.867 - State Agency Program Fund.
• Section 541.869 - Allocations from State Agency Program Fund; uses; rules; biennial reports.
• Section 541.871 - Disproportionately Impacted Community Fund.
• Section 541.873 - Grants benefiting disproportionately impacted communities; uses; rules; reports.
• Section 541.875 [1981 c.151 §2; 1983 c.652 §2; 1985 c.673 §129; 1991 c.479 §1; renumbered 541.386 in 2017]
• Section 541.876 - Tribal Nation Natural Resource Program Fund.
• Section 541.879 - Transfers from Tribal Nation Natural Resource Program Fund; uses; rules; biennial reports.
• Section 541.880 [1991 c.479 §2; renumbered 541.393 in 2017]
• Section 541.882 - Strategic priorities for amounts expended; restrictions.

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

• Section 541.890 - Definitions for ORS 541.890 to 541.969.
• Section 541.895 - Legislative findings; principles of Oregon Plan; policy.
• Section 541.898 - Oregon Plan described; goals; elements; Governor to negotiate with federal government.
• Section 541.900 - Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; officers; qualifications.
• Section 541.902 - Executive director of Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; appointment.
• Section 541.904 - Authority of executive director to enter into interagency agreements.
• Section 541.906 - Rules.
• Section 541.910 - Voluntary local watershed councils.
• Section 541.912 - Duties of Natural Resources Division.
• Section 541.914 [Formerly 541.409; repealed by 2015 c.771 §6]
• Section 541.916 - Responsibilities of state agency participating in Oregon Plan.
• Section 541.918 - Implementation of grant programs.
• Section 541.920 [Formerly 541.365; repealed by 2017 c.14 §7]
• Section 541.923 - Watershed management program; project funding; high priority watersheds.
• Section 541.926 - Duties of board; grant program; advisory committees.
• Section 541.929 - Duties of board; integrated watershed planning framework; expenditures.
• Section 541.932 - Watershed enhancement project assistance; criteria for funding approval; acquisition of interest in land or water.
• Section 541.934 - Grant recipient liability insurance.
• Section 541.935 - Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Legal Fund; sources; uses.
• Section 541.936 - Watershed Natural Climate Solutions Fund.
• Section 541.937 - Flexible Incentives Account; sources; uses.
• Section 541.940 - Parks and Natural Resources Fund.
• Section 541.942 - Natural Resources Subaccount.
• Section 541.945 - Watershed Conservation Operating Fund; purposes.
• Section 541.947 - Watershed Conservation Grant Fund.
• Section 541.949 - Authority of board to accept moneys; disposition.
• Section 541.950 - Authority of Governor to accept moneys; disposition.
• Section 541.953 [Formerly 541.379; repealed by 2011 c.643 §27]
• Section 541.954 [Formerly 541.397; repealed by 2011 c.643 §29]
• Section 541.956 - Watershed Conservation Grant Fund purposes.
• Section 541.958 - Criteria for project receiving moneys from Watershed Conservation Grant Fund.
• Section 541.960 - Title restrictions on land purchased through grant agreement; rules.
• Section 541.963 - Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board report to Legislative Assembly.
• Section 541.965 [Formerly 541.395; repealed by 2017 c.14 §7]
• Section 541.967 - Agency report to legislative committee prior to adjustment of expenditure limitation or additional funding related to Oregon Plan.
• Section 541.969 - Report to Legislative Assembly by state agencies receiving subaccount moneys.
• Section 541.972 - Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board reports to Governor and Legislative Assembly on Oregon Plan.

HABITAT STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTS

• Section 541.973 - Stewardship agreements; contents; procedures for adoption; rules.
• Section 541.974 - Stewardship Agreement Grant Fund.
• Section 541.975 - Criteria for funding projects from Stewardship Agreement Grant Fund.

WORKING LANDS CONSERVATION

• Section 541.977 - Definitions for ORS 541.977 to 541.989.
• Section 541.978 - Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund.
• Section 541.979 - Expenditures from Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund.
• Section 541.981 - Conservation management plans for working lands; plan requirements.
• Section 541.982 - Working land conservation covenants and easements; requirements.
• Section 541.984 - Grant programs; technical committees; rules.
• Section 541.986 - Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission.
• Section 541.987 - Commission organization and membership.
• Section 541.988 - Commission rules; advisory or technical committees.
• Section 541.989 - Commission duties; rules.

PENALTIES

• Section 541.990 - Penalties.