Who Must Report and Where to Confirm Requirements
Many permits and certificates include measurement and reporting conditions. Reporting may also be triggered by a measurement order, basin program, or district requirement. Confirm your obligations by reviewing the permit or certificate conditions, any transfer or enforcement orders, and recent correspondence from the watermaster or your district. Note the exact submittal deadline and the period covered.
Records to Compile Before You Start
- Meter readings and totals, with monthly breakdowns if required
- Photos of each device showing serial number, installation, and condition
- Calibration certificates or rating tables for meters, weirs, or flumes
- Pump hours and power records to corroborate volumes
- Diversion dates, delivery schedules, and shutdown periods
- Acres irrigated by field and crop, or process volumes for industrial uses
- Storage accounting for reservoirs or ponds, including refill and releases
- Well data such as static and pumping water levels if tracked
- Notes explaining outages, curtailments, or abnormal use
- Contact details for the operator and owner
Verifying Meters, Weirs, Flumes, and Data Loggers
Confirm each required device was installed and functioning during the diversion season. Record make, model, pipe size or channel dimensions, and last calibration date. For open-channel devices, clear the approach channel and confirm the installed structure matches the rating table. For meters, compare start and end totals to daily or weekly logs. If you plan winter repairs or upgrades, photograph current conditions and describe the issue and planned fix.
Reconciling Totals With Logs and Duty Limits
Start with the meter or rated-structure total. Tie it to daily or weekly logs. If multiple fields were irrigated, sum deliveries by field and verify the combined total does not exceed the rate or duty limits on the right. For wells, cross-check volumes by multiplying pump hours by the tested flow rate, then compare to meter totals. When numbers differ, include a concise explanation and any supporting records.
Documenting Partial Use, Curtailments, and Outages
Record reduced use due to weather, crop rotation, equipment failure, maintenance, or regulatory curtailment. Keep emails, photos, and notices with dates. Clear documentation helps address future questions about beneficial use and supports defenses against nonuse concerns.
Common OWRD Forms and Submittals
- Annual water use or measurement report tied to a permit or certificate
- Device certification or verification of installation and accuracy
- Supplemental reports required by an order or pilot program
- Storage accounting for reservoir rights
- Municipal or district summary reports
Deadlines, Submittal Methods, and Record Retention
Deadlines vary by condition and basin. Some districts set separate dates. Follow the language in your permit or order. Submit using the method specified and retain a full copy of everything provided, including spreadsheets, maps, photos, and notes. Keep records organized by right number and water year.
Practical Steps That Prevent Follow-Up Requests
- Use consistent units across all forms and logs
- Label maps with place of use, point of diversion or well, and device locations
- If a device failed, identify dates, estimation method used, and repair plan
- Confirm that any rate or duty assumptions match current conditions and acreage
- Schedule winter calibration or meter service so equipment is ready before spring
Winter Maintenance and Calibration Plan
List needed device repairs, replacements, or rating updates. Include target dates, vendors, and access needs. Align maintenance with any expected measurement orders or reporting obligations for the upcoming season.