Property Ownership

Under Oregon water law, a homeowner can lose their water right if:

AThey change the water's use from agricultural to residential
BThey fail to put the water to beneficial use for a period of 5 consecutive years✓ Correct
CTheir well exceeds the maximum permitted depth
DThey sell the property without transferring the water right

Explanation

Under Oregon's prior appropriation doctrine, a water right can be forfeited if the holder fails to put the water to beneficial use for 5 consecutive years. Water rights in Oregon are use-based — they must be actively used to be maintained.

People Also Study

Study This Topic

Practice More Oregon Real Estate Questions

1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.

Take the Free Oregon Quiz →