2021 Oregon Revised Statutes
Chapter 536 - Water Resources Administration
Section 536.750 - Powers of commission after declaration of drought; rules.


(a) Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS 537.170, a temporary permit for an emergency use of water;
(b) Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS 540.520;
(c) Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights for human consumption or stock watering use;
(d) Waive the notice requirements under ORS 537.753 and the report required under ORS 537.762;
(e) Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS 540.535; and
(f) Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement provided in ORS 540.524.
(2) The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.87 §3; 1999 c.873 §20; 2001 c.788 §1]
Note: The amendments to 536.750 by section 5, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021, become operative July 1, 2023. See section 27, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021. The text that is operative on and after July 1, 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 543A, after a declaration that a severe, continuing drought exists, the Water Resources Commission may:
(a) Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS 537.170, a temporary permit for an emergency use of water;
(b) Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS 540.520;
(c) Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights for human consumption or stock watering use;
(d) Waive the notice requirements under ORS 537.753 and the start card required under ORS 537.762;
(e) Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS 540.535; and
(f) Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement provided in ORS 540.524.
(2) The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under subsection (1) of this section.

Structure 2021 Oregon Revised Statutes

2021 Oregon Revised Statutes

Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food

Chapter 536 - Water Resources Administration

Section 536.007 - Definitions.

Section 536.009 - Water Resources Department Water Right Operating Fund; uses; sources.

Section 536.015 - Water Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund; uses; sources.

Section 536.017 - Records of expenditures from Water Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund.

Section 536.021 - Water Measurement Cost Share Program Revolving Fund; uses; sources; prioritization.

Section 536.022 - Water Resources Commission; members; terms; confirmation; compensation and expenses.

Section 536.025 - Duty of commission; delegation to Water Resources Director; exception.

Section 536.026 - Powers of Water Resources Commission.

Section 536.027 - Rules and standards.

Section 536.031 - Applicability of rules to completed application for permit.

Section 536.037 - Functions of director.

Section 536.040 - Public records; copies as evidence.

Section 536.045 - Sending or receipt of documents in electronic form; rules; fees.

Section 536.050 - Fees; rules; refunds; waiver and reduction of certain fees.

Section 536.055 - Agreements to expedite processing and review of applications, permits and other administrative matters; fees.

Section 536.075 - Judicial review of final order of commission or department; stay of order; scope of review.

Section 536.090 - Ground water advisory committee; duties; qualification; term; expenses.

Section 536.220 - Policy on water resources generally; integrated state water resources strategy.

Section 536.238 - Policy on water storage facilities.

Section 536.241 - Policy on water supply.

Section 536.295 - Conditions for consideration of application for use not classified in basin program; rules.

Section 536.300 - Formulation of state water resources program; public hearing in affected river basin.

Section 536.310 - Purposes and policies to be considered in formulating state water resources program.

Section 536.320 - Limitation of powers of commission.

Section 536.330 - Water Resources Act as supplemental to and including existing statutes.

Section 536.340 - Classification of water as to highest and best use and quantity of use; enforcement of laws concerning loss of water rights; prescribing preferences for future uses.

Section 536.370 - Exercise of power in conflict with state water resources policy not effective until approved by commission.

Section 536.380 - Notification to commission of proposed exercise of power involving water resources required; review and determination by commission.

Section 536.400 - Application to court to compel compliance with state water resources policy.

Section 536.410 - Withdrawal of unappropriated waters from appropriation by commission order.

Section 536.420 - Representation of state in carrying out compacts and agreements with other governmental agencies regarding water resources.

Section 536.520 - State agencies and public corporations furnishing information and services to commission.

Section 536.595 - Department discussions with Corps of Engineers over operation of Detroit Lake.

Section 536.710 - Policy.

Section 536.720 - Declaration of state authority; Governor’s power to order water conservation or curtailment plan.

Section 536.750 - Powers of commission after declaration of drought; rules.

Section 536.770 - Purchase of option or agreement for use of water permit or right during declared drought; application; fee.

Section 536.780 - Water conservation or curtailment plan; contents; review; effect of failure to file or implement.

Section 536.900 - Civil penalties; imposition.

Section 536.905 - Notice; application for hearing.

Section 536.910 - Amount of penalty; rules.

Section 536.915 - Remission or reduction of penalty.

Section 536.920 - Factors to be considered in imposition of penalty.

Section 536.930 - Consequence of failure to follow order.

Section 536.935 - Disposition of penalties; appropriation.