Farmers fret water meter mandate (HB 3419 hearing)

HB 3419: Create a water use measurement or reporting requirements by Install a water measuring device
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

In its amendment (-2, -3), House Bill (HB3419) will force those who do not use public water utilities and those who use wells, springs, streams, ponds, or store water to install a water measuring device. The bill will priority data and reports of water use in the following areas:“SECTION 7. (1) The Water Resources Commission may establish by rule water data priority areas, based on factors that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) The decline of ground water levels.
(b) The overappropriation of surface water.
(c) Unresolved disputes among water users.
(d) Frequent water shortages.
(e) Inadequate data existing to quantify the surface water or ground water resource.
(f) Water quality impairment.”

If farmers, ranchers and other rural Oregonians are forced to put government mandated water monitors on their own land, then the fear is that it will give birth to dozens of other regulations and possible new taxes and fees on water use.

A Facebook user discovered this bill’s (HB3419) original summary was “Directs the Water Resources Department to study rules related to water. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to water not later than September 15, 2026.” However, the amendments go beyond the study and wish to impose a more significant impact. This began to pick up traction with a Facebook user named Cj Nugent. (his post bellow)

Representatives Ken Helm (D) and Mark Owens (R) sponsor the bill (HB3419).

The original bill lays out a water study, but the amendments invite metering.

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