The North Capitol Mall Office Building in Salem houses the central offices of the Water Resources Department. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
Present Duties
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is charged with administering the laws governing the management and distribution of Oregon’s surface and groundwater resources. OWRD protects existing water rights, processes water right transactions, facilitates voluntary streamflow restoration, increases understanding of demands on the state’s water resources, provides accurate and accessible water resource data and facilitates water supply solutions. The department also protects public health and safety through its dam safety and well construction programs.
Department headquarters and the Northwest Regional office are both located in Salem. The department also has six other regional offices and 24 small field offices throughout Oregon.
Agency Website
Information about this agency's divisions, offices, and programs.
Contact Information
Telephone: 503-986-0900
Fax: 503-986-0904
Contact: Ivan Gall, Director
Public Information Officer: Alyssa Rash, 971-707-3493
Legal & Legislative Information
Records & Publications
State Archives Holdings from This Agency
The following are selected abbreviated listings from the holdings of the Oregon State Archives. Additional records may be available. These records may be viewed free of charge at the State Archives Building in Salem.
Title: Administrative Correspondence and Reports
Dates: 1972-1983
Cubic Ft.: 1.8
Title: Administrative Rules Review Records
Dates: 1975-1977
Cubic Ft.: .2
Title: Arid land Records
Dates: 1905-1936
Volumes: 1
Title: Certificates of Proof
Dates: 1909-1955
Cubic Ft.: .25
Title: Columbia Southern Irrigating Company Case Records, Fiscal Records, Three Sisters
Dates: 1893 - 1916
Cubic Ft.: 5.75
Title: Desert Land Board Reclamation Records
Dates: 1901-1978
Cubic Ft.: 17.75
Title: Desert Land Board Records
Dates: 1903-1940
Cubic Ft.: 1
Title: Hydroelectric Commission Minutes
Dates: 1931-1961
Cubic Ft.: .5
Volumes: 2
Title: Hydroelectric Commission Peoples' Utility District Records
Dates: 1931-1968
Cubic Ft.: 7.35
Title: Hydroelectric Project Records
Dates: 1960-1987
Cubic Ft.: 18.9
Title: Irrigation and Drainage Securities Commission Minutes
Dates: 1917-1927
Cubic Ft.: .25
Title: Publications
Dates: 1956-1988
Cubic Ft.: 4.05
Title: Reclamation Commission Records
Dates: 1926-1958
Cubic Ft.: .6
Title: Reclamation Commission Minutes
Dates: 1927 - 1955
Volumes: 3
Title: State Engineer Records
Dates: 1905-1954
Cubic Ft.: .5
Title: Survey Records Books
Dates: 1920-1924
Cubic Ft.: 12
Title: United States Geological Survey Cooperative Agreements
Dates: 1905-1955
Cubic Ft.: .6
Title: Upper Columbia River Basin Commission Records
Dates: 1952-1956
Cubic Ft.: 4.15
Title: Water Policy Review Board Records
Dates: 1975-1984
Cubic Ft.: 3.35
Title: Water Resources Board Members (Emery N. Castle) Records
Dates: 1960-1973
Cubic Ft.: 2
Title: Water Resources Board Minutes
Dates: 1955-1975
Cubic Ft.: 1.65
Title: Water Resources Board Records
Dates: 1955-1975
Cubic Ft.: 10.65
Title: Water Resources Committee Records
Dates: 1951-1955
Cubic Ft.: 1.25
Title: Willamette River Basin Commission Records
Dates: 1930-1956
Cubic Ft.: 3.75