(a) Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS 537.170, a temporary permit for an emergency use of water;
(b) Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS 540.520;
(c) Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights for human consumption or stock watering use;
(d) Waive the notice requirements under ORS 537.753 and the report required under ORS 537.762;
(e) Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS 540.535; and
(f) Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement provided in ORS 540.524.
(2) The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.87 §3; 1999 c.873 §20; 2001 c.788 §1]
Note: The amendments to 536.750 by section 5, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021, become operative July 1, 2023. See section 27, chapter 610, Oregon Laws 2021. The text that is operative on and after July 1, 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 543A, after a declaration that a severe, continuing drought exists, the Water Resources Commission may:
(a) Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS 537.170, a temporary permit for an emergency use of water;
(b) Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS 540.520;
(c) Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights for human consumption or stock watering use;
(d) Waive the notice requirements under ORS 537.753 and the start card required under ORS 537.762;
(e) Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS 540.535; and
(f) Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement provided in ORS 540.524.
(2) The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under subsection (1) of this section.