Columbia River irrigators could change diversion points within a set reach

Eligible water right holders could change a diversion point or use the water on land not named in the right without applying for a change. This applies to holders of irrigation water rights with all listed diversion points in that Columbia River reach. The right must authorize irrigation and identify all diversion points on the Columbia River between river miles 252 and 303, inclusive. The holder must divert water for irrigation at one or more points within that reach, and may not increase the rate or season of use.

The Mid-Columbia Water Commission could join a process to update water-right records through a district petition and map. This process covers Columbia River water rights with diversion points between river miles 252 and 303, inclusive, for the commission or a successor district. The commission must notify the Water Resources Department by June 30, 2027, and submit its petition by June 30, 2028. The petition cannot expand the district's or users' total recorded water rights. Land inside the district boundary that is not charged district assessments does not gain rights or duties as an elector, member, or landowner under this process. The commission must notify the department by June 30, 2027, and submit its petition by June 30, 2028.

The commission or its successor would report each year to legislative committees that oversee water. The reporting duty applies to the Mid-Columbia Water Commission or its successor district. Reports must cover properties gaining access to regional water systems because of the listed amendments, groundwater use avoided for that reason, and the value of shared water infrastructure. The 10-year reporting period begins when the commission or successor gives notice to the Water Resources Department.

Directors of a qualifying intergovernmental entity would control water distribution from its irrigation system unless the entity asks the watermaster to distribute it. This applies to an irrigation system owned or controlled by an intergovernmental entity organized under Oregon law. The system's diversion point must be on the Columbia River between river miles 252 and 303, inclusive.