Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 690 - WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Division 230 - STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION AND INJECTION WELLS AND EFFLUENT DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Section 690-230-0130 - Exemption from Water Right Permit Application/Use of Low-Temperature Geothermal Fluid

(1) Low-temperature geothermal fluid appropriation for single industrial or commercial use including, but not limited to, electrical, agricultural, aquacultural, heating and/or cooling in an amount not exceeding 5,000 gallons per day shall be exempt from application for a water right as provided for under ORS 537.545.

(2) Low-temperature geothermal fluid appropriation for single or group domestic purposes including household heating and/or cooling shall be exempt from being required to apply for a water right as provided for under ORS 537.545 when the combined amount of groundwater for single or group domestic purposes, including household heating and/or cooling, does not exceed 15,000 gallons per day. Construction must comply with well construction and maintenance rules as per OAR 690-200-0230.

(3) The exemptions under sections (1) and (2) of this rule apply to the use of groundwater for any such purpose to the extent that it is beneficial and constitutes a right to appropriate groundwater equal to that established by a groundwater right certificate.