Currently, Oregon monitors water use through both mapped water rights overlaid on Google Earth type imagery and through metering. Policing includes regulating the source off, fines, and even includes jail time.
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How does Water Right Services, LLC charge?
We charge by the project. Generally, we do not charge hourly for discussing water right strategies or due diligence. Please call for quotes for our many services and water right portfolio management.
How long do water rights take to acquire?
Most water right actions involve many steps including public comment periods. Initial steps often indicate success or issues of concern. Full approval generally takes 1-5 years depending on what all is being changed. Sometimes short-term solutions exist for immediate, interim, legal water use.
How much do water rights cost?
It totally depends on the aquifer or source, year of priority, conditions, season, etc. Even recently, some solid water rights with low demand can’t be given away. Other nearby sales have exceeded $50,000 an acre (roughly a million gallons annually).
I filled out the applications, provided the maps, paid the fees, and did everything else I was supposed to do but I still just have a permit, not a certificate. What gives?
Don’t worry. If done everything correctly, your water right remains valid as a Permit even after its expiration date. OWRD’s current five year backlog means you may not see actual newly issued certificate for quite some time. OWRD can expedite some processes at additional cost. Feel free to give Water Right Services, LLC a call if you have these type concerns to discuss.
What is “use it or lose it”?
Generally, Oregon water rights must be used for their Beneficial Use at least once every five years or risk cancellation.