1. (1) The purpose of these rules is to establish the criteria for certification of Water Right Examiners. They also define the minimum standards and criteria under which Certified Water Right Examiners shall conduct surveys to describe the extent of appropriation for beneficial use of public waters. The rules also describe the information required and procedure for preparing maps to accompany transfer applications. These rules are in addition to OAR 690, divisions 020, 051, 300, 310, 325, 380, and other rules of the Commission.
2. (2) These rules shall not deprive or limit the Director of the Water Resources Department or the Water Resources Commission from exercising powers or duties bestowed by law. Nor shall they limit or restrict the information the Director or Commission may require from any water user or authorized agent to determine satisfactory proof.
3. (3) The authority for these rules is found in ORS Chapters 183, 536, 537, and 540, and in particular ORS 537.797 to 537.799.
4. (4) These rules shall apply to Claims of Beneficial Use and other applicable documents prepared by CWREs submitted on or after April 1, 2026. Claims of Beneficial Use and other applicable documents prepared by CWREs submitted before this date shall be subject to the rules in effect at the time of submittal.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 536, ORS537, ORS 536.025 & ORS 536.027

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 536, ORS537 & ORS 537.797 - 537.799

History

WRD 3-2026, amend filed 03/20/2026, effective 04/01/2026
WRD 3-2004, f. 6-15-04, cert. ef. 7-1-04
WRD 3-1988, f. 2-26-88, cert. ef. 2-28-88
WRD 9-1987(Temp), f. & ef. 9-1-87