(1) The Water Resources Commission shall regulate or cause to be regulated the controlling works of wells and distribute ground water to secure compliance or equal and fair distribution if the commission finds that:\n(a) Any person or public agency is using or attempting to use any ground water or is operating or permitting the operation of any well owned or controlled by such person or public agency except upon compliance with ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992 and any applicable order or rule of the commission under ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992; or\n(b) It is necessary in order to secure the equal and fair distribution of ground water in accordance with the rights of the various ground water users.\n(2) The regulation of controlling works and distribution of ground water under subsection (1) of this section shall be as nearly as possible in the same manner as provided in ORS 540.010 to 540.130. [1957 c.341 §4; 1985 c.673 §72]
Oregon Legal Code