ORS 536.770: Purchase of option or agreement for use of water permit or right during declared drought; application; fee.

(1) The Water Resources Commission or a local government, public corporation or water right holder may purchase an option or enter an agreement to use an existing permit or water right during the time in which a severe, continuing drought is declared to exist. (2) A local government, public corporation or water right holder proposing to purchase an option or enter an agreement under this section shall submit to the commission an application accompanied by the fee required under ORS 536.050 (1)(a). (3) After approval of the application by the commission, the option or agreement user: (a) Is not required to construct any diversion or appropriation facilities or works; (b) May use the water acquired under the option or agreement on property or for a use different than allowed in the permit or water right transferred under the option or agreement, if the water is used to replace water not available to the local government, public corporation or water right holder because of the drought; and (c) May begin use at any time after approval by the commission so long as the total use by the water right or permit holder and the option or agreement user is within the rate, volume and seasonal limits of the permit or water right. [1989 c.87 §5; 1993 c.349 §1; 1997 c.587 §3; 2001 c.788 §2]