HB 3950
Allows a person who owns property on which a certain spring originates to store water from the spring for use for fire prevention and fire suppression if the person obtains a permit.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows landowners who own property with a spring to store water from that spring for use in fire prevention and suppression, provided they obtain a specific permit. The bill updates existing water rights laws to accommodate this new use and establishes a process for obtaining these permits, including requirements for fish screens and measuring devices. It also simplifies the permitting process for small reservoirs.
Key provisions
- Landowners with springs can store water for fire use with a permit.
- A new permit process (ORS 537.147) is created for storing and using stored water.
- Existing water rights laws (ORS 537.147 and 537.409) are amended to reflect this change.
- Reservoirs with limited capacity (less than 9.2 acre-feet) are subject to a streamlined permitting process.
- Permits require fish screens and measuring devices to protect aquatic resources.
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife must be consulted regarding potential impacts on fisheries.
- Public notice and comment periods are required for permit applications.
- A survey is not required for small reservoirs.
Who is affected
- Landowners with springs
- Fire departments and emergency responders
- Water Resources Department
- State Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Residents in areas prone to wildfires
Notable changes
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