Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 536 § 536.340 — Classification of water as to highest and best use and quantity of use;

Classification of water as to highest and best use and quantity of use; enforcement of laws concerning loss of water rights; prescribing preferences for future uses. (1) Subject at all times to existing rights and priorities to use waters of this state, the Water Resources Commission: (a) May, by a water resources statement referred to in ORS 536.300 (2), classify and reclassify the lakes, streams, underground reservoirs or other sources of water supply in this state as to the highest and best use and quantities of use thereof for the future in aid of an integrated and balanced program for the benefit of the state as a whole. The commission may so classify and reclassify portions of any such sources of water supply separately. Classification or reclassification of sources of water supply as provided in this subsection has the effect of restricting the use and quantities of use thereof to the uses and quantities of uses specified in the classification or reclassification, and no other uses or quantities of uses except as approved by the commission under ORS