Teel Irrigation District v. Water Resources Department

*18WARREN, P. J.

The Water Resources Department and the Water Resources Commission (the department) appeal a circuit court judgment setting aside three orders that limit plaintiff Teel Irrigation District’s (Teel) use of water under two water rights permits. ORS 183.484; ORS 183.500. We reverse, in part.

An overview of the law that governs water rights will provide a better understanding of our discussion of this case. Water rights in Oregon are based on appropriation for a beneficial use. A person seeking the right to beneficially use surface water must, before beginning any construction on…