The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is hosting its thirteenth Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) for Division 512.

OWRD will amend OAR-690-512 (Malheur Lake Basin Program Rules). These rules govern surface water and groundwater use and allocation within the Malheur Lake Administrative Basin. The amendment to the rules will designate portions of the Malheur Lake Basin Administrative Boundaries as a Critical Ground Water Area (CGWA) due to groundwater declines within the basin.

The Division 512 update will follow the framework outlined in OAR-690-010 to designate a CGWA. A basin designated as a CGWA allows OWRD to implement corrective control provisions through a contested case process to reduce existing groundwater use in the basin. Additionally, the Division 512 rules will be amended to include a measurement and reporting of groundwater use requirement using a Serious Water Management Problem Area. The Department also plans to classify the Harney Basin to allow exempt uses only. 

Documents for the meeting can be found on the Division 512 page under "Rules Advisory Committee Meeting #13" 

OWRD Invites the public to attend. Public comments will be taken during the meeting.

What: Division 512 Rules Advisory Committee Meeting 

When: March 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. – noon

Where: This meeting is virtual only

If you wish to join online, please register with this link. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Meinz using the contact information below.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Meinz, Water Policy Analyst | 971-718-7087| kelly.a.meinz@water.oregon.gov