2024 Oregon Water Law Conference
The Seminar Group continues the 33 year tradition of gathering the most active, diverse, and experienced water law experts by hosting the 2024 Oregon Water Law Conference at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Portland from October 24–25, 2024. Register here to attend the conference. View the seminar brochure.
Ivan Gall Confirmed as Director of OWRD
On May 31, 2024, the Oregon Senate confirmed Ivan Gall as the new director of the Oregon Water Resources Department. Mr. Gall brings a background in hydrology and over 25 years of experience with the agency in a variety of positions, most recently as the acting deputy director and Field Services Division administrator. The recruitment process emphasized the need for modernized agency policies and practices to better serve Oregonians and their water needs. Mr. Gall was selected to take on this challenge due to his long history in statewide water management, knowledge of agency needs and competencies, and his sincere desire to advance modernization efforts. We thank Governor Kotek for nominating him, and the Senate for confirming his new role.
His tenure as director starts July 1, 2024.
Integrated Water Resources Strategy
The Draft 1 public review and comment period is now closed. A revised draft will be shared in the coming months.
Please visit our IWRS page for more information.
If you are interested in receiving notifications as new information becomes available, please sign up for the IWRS topic in GovDelivery by clicking the button below.
Rulemaking
We are in the process of updating rules for multiple areas of water resource management. Public comment periods are also underway. Please visit our proposed rulemaking page for more information.
Groundwater Allocation
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is updating its rules for evaluating and issuing new groundwater rights in a manner that protects existing water rights and manages Oregon's finite water resources sustainably. Please visit our groundwater allocation rulemaking page for more information.
Drought Conditions and Assistance
Drought conditions are emerging in some areas. Find information about conditions, impacts, and assistance on our
drought page or
report your dry well here.
Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF)
The Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF) provides financial assistance to individual households, or members of a federally recognized tribe in Oregon. This financial assistance can be used to permanently abandon, repair, or replace a water well used for household purposes. To learn more about this program, visit our WARRF website.