OR HB3801

Water Resources Commission must (changed from "may") encourage, promote, and recognize voluntary agreements among ground water users from the same reservoir or portion of a reservoir to further understanding of resources and achieve long-term stability

Commission approval requires agreements to be in writing, consistent with existing water law, likely to reduce water volume over time while protecting economic viability, and likely to promote long-term resource stability

Approval cannot require minimum participation levels or mandate specific reduction amounts or deadlines; authority cannot be delegated to the Water Resources Director

Parties to agreements may add members and make certain changes without commission approval but must meter all wells, report total annual ground water use, and establish pre-season usage plans

Agreements can be terminated by time lapse, party consent, or commission order after finding non-compliance or that changed conditions make continuation detrimental to public welfare