Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) are the codified laws of Oregon, enacted by the Oregon Legislative Assembly or Citizen Initiative. The Oregon State Legislature maintains a website of Oregon Revised Statutes. Most laws pertaining to water rights are included in Volume 15.
For convenience, links to the most relevant Oregon Revised Statutes Chapters are included below.
Chapter 390
| State and Local Parks; Recreation Programs; Scenic Waterways; Recreation Trails |
Chapter 536 | Water Resources Administration |
Chapter 537 | Appropriation of Water Generally |
Chapter 538 | Withdrawal of Certain Waters From Appropriation; Special Municipal and County Water Rights |
Chapter 539 | Determination of Water Rights Initiated Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes |
Chapter 540 | Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures |
Chapter 541 | Water Distributors; Water Releases; Conservation and Storage; Water Development Projects; Watershed Management and Enhancement |
Chapter 542 | Water Resource Surveys and Projects; Compacts |
Chapter 543 | Hydroelectric Projects |
Chapter 543A | Reauthorizing and Decommissioning Hydroelectric Projects |
Chapter 545 | Irrigation Districts |
Chapter 547 | Drainage Districts |
Chapter 548 | Provisions Applicable Both to Drainage Districts and to Irrigation Districts |
Chapter 549 | Drainage and Flood Control Generally |
Chapter 550 | Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District |
Chapter 551 | Diking Districts |
Chapter 552 | Water Improvement Districts |
Chapter 553 | Water Control Districts |
Chapter 554 | Corporations for Irrigation, Drainage, Water Supply or Flood Control |
Chapter 555 | Reclamation Projects; Sand Control |
Chapter 601
| Best Practices in Community Engagement for Funded Water Projects (Coming Soon)
|
Chapter 602
| Place-Based Water Planning (Coming Soon)
|
Visit the Oregon Legislature's website for more information.