Bill > HB3800

This bill renames the "Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern" to the "Harney Basin Groundwater Management Area" and establishes new authorities and programs for the Water Resources Department to manage groundwater in this region. The bill creates a program to help residents replace, repair, or deepen domestic wells affected by declining groundwater levels, with grants covering up to 75% of well replacement costs (not exceeding $10,000 per well). The department is given expanded powers to manage water rights in the area, including modifying water use rates, declining new water right applications, requiring water use measurements, and denying extensions for developing water rights. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of an adaptive groundwater management plan with specific objectives, including annual data collection and analysis, monitoring trends, creating a groundwater study model, and establishing a ground water advisory committee. The bill prioritizes grants for lower-income residents and wells most severely impacted by groundwater declines, with the overall goal of better managing and preserving groundwater resources in the Harney Basin area.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3800