| Agency Overview: Manage Resources |
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Watermasters: distributing water, enforcing water laws
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The Department´s watermasters, well inspectors, and field staff distribute water in a stream system based on water right priority dates. They also actively enforce water laws to prevent the diversion or appropriation of water without the required state permits. In the summer, when streamflows are low, watermasters monitor supplies and water use. They address complaints from water users when not enough water is available to meet their entitlements and visit diversion sites to limit— shut off— uses junior to those that are not receiving water. Watermasters also monitor streamflow levels to protect instream water rights. Watermaster Offices |
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Dam safety
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To protect downstream communities or property from dam failures, the Department reviews the plans and specifications for any dam 10 or more feet in height and storing more than 9.2 acre feet of water. (That is about 3 million gallons.) Watermasters perform dam safety inspections and advise owners of routine maintenance requirements, review design proposals, and monitor dam construction. Inventory of Oregon Dams
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Well & ground water management
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The Department licenses well drillers, enforces well construction standards and maintains records of well logs. Regional well inspectors monitor well construction to check compliance with state standards. These standards are in place to protect the ground water resource from contamination, waste, and loss of artesian pressure. Ground Water Information
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Watermasters (top/middle) use water measurements to enforce water permit conditions and protect "senior" water rights in times of low flow or from injury caused by illegal use. Department well inspectors (bottom) work with well drillers to ensure that minimum well construction standards are met.
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Oregon´s Water What We Do Study the Resource Law and Policy Manage Resources Services and Offices Providing Information
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