ORS 545.257: Authority of irrigation district to acquire domestic or municipal water works; assumption of obligations; sale of surplus water; impairment of irrigation service forbidden.

When an irrigation district is authorized by the electors of the district as provided in ORS 545.305 and when it appears necessary, proper or beneficial to its inhabitants, the irrigation district may: (1) Acquire by gift, lease, purchase, condemnation or other legal means, domestic and municipal water works or water systems, and property incident to the works or systems, including reservoirs, pumps, mains, stations, water, water rights and all appurtenances. As a part of a transaction of acquisition, the district may assume any outstanding obligations on the water works or water systems. However, a right of condemnation shall not be granted against property of a city. (2) Construct, reconstruct, equip, own, maintain, operate, sell, lease and dispose of, domestic and municipal water works or systems and property, and all appurtenances incident to the works, systems or property. (3) Furnish water for domestic and municipal uses to premises and inhabitants within its district. In connection with furnishing water for domestic and municipal use, the district may supply, furnish and sell, for the uses mentioned in this section, any surplus water over and above the domestic and municipal needs of its inhabitants, to persons or other public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109, either within or outside the district. However, the power to furnish water for domestic and municipal uses granted by this section shall not be exercised in such a manner as to impair the service of the district in furnishing water for irrigation purposes. [Formerly 545.110; 2003 c.802 §133]