ORS 561.191: Program and rules relating to water quality.

(1) The State Department of Agriculture shall develop and implement any program or rules that directly regulate farming practices, as defined in ORS 30.930, that are for the purpose of protecting water quality and that are applicable to areas of the state designated as exclusive farm use zones under ORS 215.203 or other agricultural lands in Oregon, including but not limited to rules related to: (a) Protection of the quality of surface or ground water; (b) Wellhead protection areas; (c) Coastal zone management areas; (d) Ground water quality concern areas, as defined in ORS 468B.150; and (e) Ground water quality management areas, as defined in ORS 468B.150. (2) Any program or rules adopted by the State Department of Agriculture under subsection (1) of this section shall be designed to assure achievement and maintenance of water quality standards adopted by the Environmental Quality Commission. (3) If two or more state agencies are required to adopt rules under ORS 468B.150 to 468B.190, the agencies: (a) Shall consult with one another and coordinate the rules; and (b) May consolidate the rulemaking proceedings. (4) Nothing in this section is intended to change or reduce the authority of the Water Resources Commission or the Water Resources Department under ORS chapters 536 to 543. [1995 c.690 §6a; 2025 c.605 §40a]