HB 2705 VOTE: NO – Died In Committee
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2705
Posted on TrackTheirVote.org
This bill requires gathering data from tributaries at the point of diversion or appropriation to meter water needs and effectively manage water flow and report measured amounts and allow determination of rate and duty.
Personal Choice and Responsibility
Water right owner is required to install meter and take daily readings of measured amounts and rate of flow at the meter site imposing a responsibility and penalty to owning a water right diversion or appropriation.
Fiscal Responsibility
The bill proposes to use money from monitoring water use to pay for the implementation of the HB 2705. It places undue financial burden on the water appropriator to install and monitor water flow equipment.
Limited Government
Oregon has no baseline measurements to base management decisions on, but there are other ways to gauge use and needs without burdening the water right owner. This bill expands government into our most valued commodity.
Local Control
This bill "encourages" federal, state, and local governments to assist with financial support for data collection.
I am new propertty owner in Josephine county — our new residence has a well. I agree with Donald Esch… I am against the State requiring $$$ from me on a system/right that I own… here's an idea: if the State wants data on my water use habits, I may consider letting them install their own meter and charge the State a small lease payment for having their equipment on my property… I see NO value in this bill.
I am property owner in Marion County and have lived at this residence for over 25 years. Currenty it cost approximately $10,000 to drill and set up a system similar to ours. Besides initial installation, there is continual outlay of monies for maintenance and clorination of our well. Also we had to replace our pump twice at a cost of approximately $3,000 each time. Now they want to charge us. A one hundred few each year? We have enough expenses as is, and therefore I am against any more outlay of monies. Also this appears to be another way to control our freedoms.