Preparation of water management and conservation plans (WMCPs) by irrigation districts and other agricultural water suppliers is strongly encouraged and typically are a requirement of a Department final order approving a previously submitted WMCP. However, districts with plans approved by the Water Resources Department are able to take advantage of statutory provisions that allow the transfer of water rights from one district user to another to prevent forfeiture of the rights because of non-use.
Under the conservation planning program, agricultural water suppliers examine their supply, demand, future needs, and water conservation tools. By using this process, districts and other suppliers can create a "water budget" for their current and future needs. This water budget, along with projected future demands on the system, help to clarify how much water is needed to meet current and future needs. Use of appropriate conservation tools may also lead to increased water supplies to better meet the patrons´ crop demands.
In addition to preparing water management and conservation plans that meet state requirements, districts that contract for water from Federal water projects are required to develop conservation plans under Section 210(b) of the Reclamation Reform Act. Department staff coordinates review of the water management and conservation plans with Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) staff and their review of the plans under the federal requirements.
A guidebook and other helpful tools to aid irrigation districts and other agricultural water suppliers in preparing plans and complying with requirements of a WMCP are available under "Other Resources.
If a district is required to have an approved WMCP on file that is current and "in-effect" (i.e., not expired), the district must have an approved and current WMCP prior to submitting a grant or loan application to the Department’s Water Project Grants and Loans Program as required by ORS 541.659.