Apply for a Water Use Permit

Most water rights are obtained in a three-step process. The water user first must apply to the Department for a permit to use water. If a permit is approved, the applicant must construct a water system and begin using water within a certain time frame. After water is applied, the permit holder must hire a certified water right examiner to complete a survey of water use and submit to the Department a map and a report detailing how and where water has been applied.  If water has been used according to the provisions of the permit, a water right certificate is issued after evaluation of the report findings.

Please note the following changes that apply to the application process effective April 1, 2026:

• For applications received on or after April 1, 2026, the updated application forms below must be used.
• Beginning April 1, 2026, a portion of the examination fee is due at time of submission for certain application types. Please consult the Online Fee Estimator under the Other Resources list on this page. 
• Complete applications will be reviewed to determine if the proposed use is prohibited by statute or not allowed pursuant to a restriction under ORS 536.415. If the proposed use is prohibited, the application and fees submitted, minus $250, will be returned. The list of Restrictions Under ORS 536.415 is provided under the Other Resources list on this page.

There are 4 main types of water right permit applications:

• Groundwater Application – required to use water from a well.
• Surface Water Application – required to use water from a river, reservoir, or pond.
• Reservoir Application (standard review process) – required to construct and store water in a reservoir or pond.
• Reservoir Application (alternate review process) – use this form for a reservoir storing less than 9.2 acre-feet or has a dam less than 10 feet high.