OAR 690-503-0020: Policies

The surface water resources of the Sandy River Basin are important for maintaining instream and scenic values. The groundwater and surface waters are used for municipal, domestic, industrial and agricultural uses. The Bull Run Watershed is the main source of water for the city of Portland and the Portland metropolitan area. The protection and maintenance of water resources for these uses will promote the economic and general welfare of the people of the state. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Commission: (1) To limit future surface water appropriations, except for storage, in the Sandy Basin mainly to municipal and noconsumptive, instream uses for the purpose of protecting and enhancing those statutorily preferred uses and values such as municipal, fish life, wildlife, recreation and aesthetics. (2) To carry out the state groundwater management policy by addressing groundwater declines near Sandy, controlling interference with surface supplies and protecting the quality of shallow aquifers. (3) To uphold, subject to senior claims, the city of Portland’s exclusive right to the waters of the Bull Run and Little Sandy rivers for municipal use. The Commission supports further development of the Bull Run and Little Sandy rivers for municipal use under a planned approach, designed to best meet the needs of the city and region, while encouraging water use efficiency and conservation and protecting the naturally high quality of the water.