Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Split Season Instream Leasing

A special type of instream lease, a Split Season Instream Lease, allows the water right holder to use the water during part of the season, and then lease the water right instream during the other part of the season. This can be a good tool in cases where the water right holder does not want to fallow land for the entire season. For example, if the right was applied to the land from April through June the landowner could get a cutting of hay, and then lease the right instream from July through September when streamflows are most critical for salmon.

 
During Split Season Instream Lease:
Diagram showing how a split season instream lease works during the months of April Through June 
April through June
 
 
During Split Season Instream Lease:
Diagram showing how a split season instream lease works during the months of July Through September 
July through September
 
After Split Season Instream Lease:
Diagram showing how a split season instream lease works after split season has ended, October through March 
October through March - 
No longer irrigation season

Important tips for split season instream leases:

  • Applicant (Lessor) must consult with the Watermaster in advance of submitting a split season instream lease application.
  • Identified measuring and monitoring provisions/equipment, based upon consultation with the Watermaster, must be included in the lease application and be in place prior to any water being used instream or out of stream.
  • The split season instream lease application must be submitted to the Department at least two weeks in advance of any water being used instream or out of stream.
  • The water right holder must measure and report both the instream and out of stream water uses or provide for third party measurement and reporting.