Tools for Stream Flow Restoration
The Freshwater Trust restores streamflow by compensating willing landowners to leave all or a portion of their water right instream in lieu of using it for out-of-stream purposes. We also can receive donations of water rights. These measures can range from short-term to permanent transactions. We focus on water rights with early priority dates and use existing laws to put water back into Oregon's rivers and streams.
We work with certified water rights holders to develop water use agreements. These agreements can be solely between The Freshwater Trust and the right holder or include an official state recognized in-stream transfer. These are examples of some of the tools we utilize. Each situation is unique. Ultimately the right tool depends on the needs of the landowner and the ecosystem.
Modified land managementIrrigators switch to crops that use less water, rotate crops or let pieces of less productive land go fallow, while leasing or selling the water rights for instream use.
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Water conservation projectsIrrigators can install a more efficient irrigation system and transfer some or all of the conserved water to instream use, while increasing the productivity of their land.
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Split season leasing
Irrigators use water during the first half of the season, then water rights are leased instream during the second, drier half of the season.
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Source switchingAn irrigator’s water source is switched from surface water to another source, usually groundwater or stored water and the surface water right is transferred or leased to instream use.
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Point of diversion changeIrrigators withdraw water from a different location, which helps provide more water to the driest stretches of a stream. Generally this is done with a switch from flood to pressurized irrigation.
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Rotational pooling agreements
Irrigators coordinate with neighbors and take turns leasing water rights. In general, this method works best on a shared ditch system.
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