OR HB4006

Holders of Columbia River water rights with diversion points between river miles 252 and 303 may change their point of diversion or use water on non-appurtenant land without standard application requirements, provided there is no increase in rate or season of use and the water is used for irrigation (including shoulder-season and winter irrigation).

Irrigation systems owned by intergovernmental entities organized under ORS chapter 190 with Columbia River diversion points between river miles 252-303 are exempted from state water distribution laws, placing control under the entity's directors rather than the state watermaster.

The Mid-Columbia Water Commission may participate in the district water rights mapping process if it notifies the Water Resources Department by June 30, 2027, with petitions due by June 30, 2028.

The definition of "district" is expanded to include intergovernmental entities organized under ORS chapter 190 for irrigation water distribution purposes.

The Mid-Columbia Water Commission must submit annual reports to the Legislative Assembly for 10 years documenting properties gaining regional water system access, acre-feet of avoided groundwater use, and shared infrastructure benefits resulting from this legislation.