Embedded Files
Harney Basin Groundwater Policies - Public Comment Period
See below for more information and opportunities to comment!
Drop down for information and resources:
Drop down for information and resources:
Send Public Comments to: WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov by August 7 at 5pm
---------High Desert Partnership Summary Materials-----------
Overview of Proposed Groundwater Policies (HDP)
Cartoon Graphic of Current Groundwater Conditions and Projected Impacts (HDP)
Public Comment Form (for written comments)
Spoken Comment Script (for verbal comments)
---------Oregon Water Resources Department Materials----------
Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) Division 512 Webpage
Notice of Filing for Proposed Rules (OWRD) - includes the fiscal impact statement
Proposed Groundwater Policy Language (OWRD)
FAQs for Proposed Policies (OWRD)
Technical (Division 10) Report for Critical Groundwater Area Designation (OWRD)
Interactive Map with Groundwater Information (OWRD)
Groundwater Level Trends Analysis (OWRD)
The Oregon Water Resources Department is proposing policies to manage groundwater in the Harney Basin. The policies (known as the Division 512 rules) propose regulations to reduce groundwater pumping by 35% across the basin over the next 24 years to stabilize groundwater levels. Now is your opportunity to comment.
The Oregon Water Resources Department is proposing policies to manage groundwater in the Harney Basin. The policies (known as the Division 512 rules) propose regulations to reduce groundwater pumping by 35% across the basin over the next 24 years to stabilize groundwater levels. Now is your opportunity to comment.
Learn more about the process to develop the proposed policies on the Water Resources Department website. Read and comment on the technical basis for the policies (click here). Read and comment on the proposed policies and economic impacts (click here).
All written comments can be sent to the Department rulemaking coordinator, Kelly Meinz, at WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov. You can call Kelly with questions at 971-718-7087.
The Department hosted informational sessions and public hearings in June (recordings available online). They will be hosting the following public hearings to formally take public comment in August:
Monday, August 4, 2025
Public Hearing: 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: Seneca Elementary School, 101 Park Avenue, Seneca, OR 97873
Meeting type: In-person
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Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Public Hearing: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Harney County Community Center, 478 N. Broadway Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
Meeting type: Hybrid
Zoom Registration Link: Hearing One Registration Link
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Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Public Hearing: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Harney County Community Center, 478 N. Broadway Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
Meeting type: Hybrid
Zoom Registration Link: Hearing Two Registration Link
Resources! Check out these resources developed by High Desert Partnership to help you understand what these policies might mean as well as to help you provide effective public comments:
Overview of current groundwater conditions and projected impacts (cartoon version)
Public comment form (to help you develop effective written comments)
Public comment script (to help you develop effective spoken comments)
Have questions or need help talking through the proposed policies and developing your comments? Reach out to Harmony Burright (harmony@saltandfresh.solutions / 541-846-8863) who is on contract with the High Desert Partnership to help anyone effectively engage in this public comment opportunity.
Do you grow crops with groundwater in the basin?
Do you grow crops with groundwater in the basin?
In the Harney Basin, irrigated agriculture accounts for 24% of the economy across all sectors. The proposed policies would primarily result in regulatory reductions of groundwater use for irrigation (a reduction of 35% over 24 years). Proposed reductions vary across the basin.
Is your home or stockwater supplied by groundwater?
Is your home or stockwater supplied by groundwater?
Harney County residents largely rely on wells to supply water for their homes and livestock and rely on sustainable access to groundwater. Groundwater level declines have affected the ability for some homes to access groundwater. Groundwater conditions affecting homes and stockwater wells vary across the basin.
Do you care about natural systems that rely on groundwater?
Do you care about natural systems that rely on groundwater?
Springs and some native vegetation rely on groundwater and are likely to benefit from less groundwater use. Groundwater level declines have the potential to affect springs and native vegetation. The presence of springs and native vegetation as well as groundwater conditions vary across the basin.
Do you live or work in the City of Burns or Hines?
Do you live or work in the City of Burns or Hines?
The Cities of Burns and Hines rely on groundwater and could also be directly and indirectly effected by any economic impacts resulting from the proposed policies.
Do you own or operate a business or work in Harney County?
Do you own or operate a business or work in Harney County?
Even if your business doesn't rely on groundwater, you may be impacted by the indirect economic impacts. Over the next 30 years these policies are projected to result in the loss of 320 jobs, $18 million in annual labor income, and $61 million in annual economic output. Impacts will be both direct and indirect.
Groundwater policies affect everyone! What do you care about?
Groundwater policies affect everyone! What do you care about?
The proposed policies are all about tradeoffs. What you care about will determine what tradeoffs you find more or less acceptable. The proposed policies can be a little challenging to figure out. We can help you develop effective comments based on what you care about most.
The goal of the public comment period is to hear from as many members of the public as possible about their interests, preferences, concerns, and suggestions on the draft policies.
The goal of the public comment period is to hear from as many members of the public as possible about their interests, preferences, concerns, and suggestions on the draft policies.
Every voice matters.
Every voice matters.
Please learn more and provide comments.
Please learn more and provide comments.
Comments must be received by 5pm on August 13, 2025 (comment period extended).
Comments must be received by 5pm on August 13, 2025 (comment period extended).
All written comments can be sent to the Department rulemaking coordinator, Kelly Meinz, at WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov. You can call Kelly with questions at 971-718-7087.
Please reach out if you need any help navigating the public comment process: Harmony Burright (harmony@saltandfresh.solutions / 541-846-8863)
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