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00:00:00 – 00:11:26
The video discusses a controversy in Oregon regarding restrictions on using well water for gardening on one's own land, leading to concerns about government overreach. Regulations require landowners to obtain permits to use water from any source. There are exemptions for limited personal and non-commercial water use without a permit, while larger-scale or commercial use needs authorization. The Water Resource Department regulates water usage, with considerations for beneficial use without waste. Obtaining new water rights in Oregon is challenging due to factors like water shortages possibly linked to climate change. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to have a garden in Oregon. The video also highlights other important aspects of living in Oregon and offers assistance with real estate in the region.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the controversy in Oregon about making it illegal to grow a garden on one’s own land using well water, leading to an uproar and accusations of government overreach. Small farms and Market Gardens in Oregon are being shut down on a large scale, causing concern among residents and potential movers. The water issues in Oregon date back to 1909 when the state took control of water resources previously managed by local governments. Landowners must obtain permits to use water from any source, including underground or surface water, highlighting the need for authorization from the Water Resource Department.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, it is explained that there are exemptions for using both surface water and groundwater without requiring a permit. Exemptions for surface water include natural spring usage, stock watering, rainwater collection, and various other purposes. For groundwater, exemptions cover stock watering, non-commercial gardening up to half an acre, and domestic use. It’s emphasized that for personal use or non-commercial gardening under half an acre, you do not need a permit to use water from your well, contrary to misleading rumors circulating online. Any commercial or larger-scale water use would require authorization.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses water usage regulations in Oregon. They mention that the average household uses about 100 gallons of water per day per person. Exemptions for exceeding 15,000 gallons a day include uses for industrial or commercial purposes, downhole heat exchange, school grounds, Fire Control, and water reuses. However, these exemptions require the water to be used for a beneficial purpose without waste and may be subject to regulation during water shortages. The Water Resource Commission determines what constitutes beneficial use without waste and regulates water usage during shortages. Activities like irrigation, municipal uses, manufacturing, and recreation qualify as beneficial uses. Since 1987, instream flow protection has also been considered a beneficial use. It is possible to have a garden as large as desired, but for gardens over half an acre, a water right or irrigation right is necessary. The water right specifies if well water can be used for irrigation, and water rights are common on properties suitable for large gardens.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the challenge of obtaining new water rights in Oregon, particularly due to water shortage issues, possibly linked to factors like climate change and lack of water monitoring. Water rights in Oregon are becoming more tightly controlled. The speaker emphasizes that despite these challenges, it is possible to have a garden and shares that there are other important considerations for living in Southern Oregon or anywhere in Oregon. The speaker encourages viewers to watch another video about why nobody lives in eastern Oregon and offers help with real estate in Oregon.