Oregon Exempt Well Rules Are Changing Again: What Landowners Should Watch

Oregon is preparing another update to its exempt groundwater rules. In fall 2026, OWRD is beginning rulemaking for OAR Chapter

Posted on October 9, 2026

October 1, 2026 Oregon Water Right Rule Changes: What Permit Holders Need to Know

Oregon is entering another phase of water-right modernization. On September 10, 2026, the Oregon Water Resources Commission adopted Phase 2

Posted on September 28, 2026

Flow Meters by March 1, 2028: Harney Basin Measurement and Reporting Compliance

The Harney Basin rules created a Serious Water Management Problem Area, or SWMPA, in addition to the Critical Groundwater Area.

Posted on September 10, 2026

Your Contested Case Window Before 2028 Harney Cuts: How to Prepare the Record Now

The Harney Basin groundwater rules establish scheduled reductions beginning as early as 2028, but those reductions do not simply take

Posted on August 21, 2026

The Harney Basin Critical Groundwater Area: What the Rules Actually Require

Oregon adopted new groundwater-management rules for the Harney Basin in December 2025, and the rules became effective January 14, 2026.

Posted on August 10, 2026

Regulated Off in 2026: What a Watermaster Shutoff Notice Means and What to Do

Oregon’s water-right system operates under prior appropriation, often summarized as “first in time, first in right.” When there is not

Posted on July 22, 2026

Oregon Well Monitoring During Drought: What Water-Level and Flow Data Can Show

Oregon is facing potentially extraordinary drought conditions in 2026, driven by historically low snowpack, a warm winter, and precipitation deficits

Posted on July 10, 2026

Modifying Your Oregon Water Right: A Guide to the OWRD Transfer Process

In Oregon, a water right is legally tied to a specific piece of land, a specific source, and a specific

Posted on June 24, 2026