There are rules for farms and ranches in Oregon governing farming practices that impact water quality. ODA created 38 watershed-based regions, called Water Quality Management Areas, and these Management Areas each have their own Area Rules (Oregon Administrative Rules 603-095-0000 through 3900), which are specific water quality regulations for the area. The Area Rules ensure that all landowners do their part to prevent water pollution.
Area rules were created to be region specific. However, there are two rules in common throughout the state:
- Streamside vegetation must be allowed to establish and grow. Vegetation is required to provide shade, filtration, and bank stability. Shade is required on all perennial streams.
- Waste must not enter waters of the state. Waste must not be placed where it could enter waters of the state. Waste is any substance that can cause pollution to water. This includes excess sediment, manure, fertilizer, pesticide and its drift, and more.
To view what rules are applicable for your area,
view the map.
Want to know more about recommended farming practices to protect water quality for your area?
Please refer to our
Area Plan webpage to learn more about the recommended actions and objectives for water quality in your watershed.
Want to get involved?
Area Rules were created with Local Advisory Committees (LAC). The LACs are groups of local people, primarily farmers and ranchers, who ensure that local water quality protection and improvement efforts are planned in a way that works for the local agricultural, environmental, and tribal considerations. The LAC identifies local agricultural water quality problems and opportunities for improvement.