WHAT IS BENEFICIAL USE?
What beneficial use is: Land must be under production or cultivation to qualify as beneficial use. As defined by Oregon state law, beneficial use of irrigation water is limited to producing a crop, or maintaining grass or landscaped areas. Landscaped areas are described as lawn, shrub beds, or commercial crops (shrubs, trees, growing of plants for resale).
What beneficial use is not: Irrigation water should not be used on rock piles, on driveways, or under structures; it should not be used for dust abatement; it should not be used to water anything that would grow naturally with- out the benefit of irrigation water.
Oregon state law also requires irrigation water be used beneficially once every five years. Water rights may be subject to confiscation if a property owner fails to beneficially apply and use water at least once in a five-year period.
Patrons with questions about beneficial use qualification or usage should contact the TID office.
TIPS FOR DOCUMENTING BENEFICIAL USE:
TID captures beneficial use data through aerial reviews taken annually in the month of June. Aerial reviews are used as a baseline for collecting beneficial use data. Ultimately, we rely on you, the patron, to provide the District information regarding your successful crops and beneficial use of the water rights on your property.
Take before and after photos - Show landmarks that will identify your location, state the direction the photo was taken, and include a date stamp on the photo.
Provide Receipts - Save receipts for all purchases pertaining to irrigation (seed, labor, irrigation supplies, etc.)
Document - Journal your progress throughout the season to learn from past irrigation practices.