PUBLIC
NOTICE
High Desert Partnership Flow Meter Resource Fair
Summary
Flow Meter Resource Fair Tuesday, October 20 | 4–6pm | Harney County Community Center, Burns If your groundwater right, including for irrigation, industrial, and commercial rights, is not *exempt in the Harney Basin, new state rules may affect you. Under the Division 512 Rules adopted by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) in December 2025, all non-exempt groundwater wells within the Harney Basin Serious Water Management Problem Area (SWMPA) must have a flow meter installed by March 1, 2028. (Check whether your well is inside the SWMPA boundary https://bit.ly/HarneyRuleInteractiveMap) Helping irrigators navigate these requirements is a priority for the Harney Water Collaborative, so we're hosting a resource fair where your questions can be answered in one place. At the fair you can: Learn what the SWMPA flow meter and reporting requirements mean for your operation Find out how OWRD's cost-share program works and how to apply Talk with local installers about meter options and the installation process Free and open to all Harney Basin irrigators. *Exempt uses, disconnected wells, and Tribal groundwater rights are not subject to these requirements Also, this resource fair follows a Harney Water Collaborative meeting taking place 1-3pm October 20 at the Harney County Community Center which you are invited to attend as well. There is a separate email in your inbox about this meeting. About the Harney Water Collaborative The Harney Water Collaborative (HWC). The Collaborative is not a regulatory body — it's a working group bringing together agricultural producers, Tribal nations, local governments, state agencies, conservation organizations, and community members. This diverse group is working together with support from High Desert Partnership to find lasting, practical solutions to water efficiencies, groundwater use and agricultural practices that keep agriculture and our communities viable, protect ecosystems, and sustain the Harney County way of life.
Notice Date: Monday, October 12th, 2026
- County: Harney
- Notice Type: Public Notice
- City: Burns Crane
Details
Flow Meter Resource Fair
Tuesday, October 20 | 4–6pm | Harney County Community Center, Burns
If your groundwater right, including for irrigation, industrial, and commercial rights, is not *exempt in the Harney Basin, new state rules may affect you. Under the Division 512 Rules adopted by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) in December 2025, all non-exempt groundwater wells within the Harney Basin Serious Water Management Problem Area (SWMPA) must have a flow meter installed by March 1, 2028. (Check whether your well is inside the SWMPAboundary https://bit.ly/HarneyRuleInteractiveMap)
Helping irrigators navigate these requirements is a priority for the Harney Water Collaborative, so we’re hosting a resource fair where your questions can be answered in one place. At the fair you can:
- Learn what the SWMPA flow meter and reporting requirements mean for your operation
- Find out how OWRD’s cost-share program works and how to apply
- Talk with local installers about meter options and the installation process
Free and open to all Harney Basin irrigators.
*Exempt uses, disconnected wells, and Tribal groundwater rights are not subject to these requirements
Also, this resource fair follows a Harney Water Collaborative meeting taking place 1-3pm October 20 at the Harney County Community Center which you are invited to attend as well. There is a separate email in your inbox about this meeting.
About the Harney Water Collaborative
The Harney Water Collaborative (HWC). The Collaborative is not a regulatory body — it’s a working group bringing together agricultural producers, Tribal nations, local governments, state agencies, conservation organizations, and community members. This diverse group is working together with support from High Desert Partnership to find lasting, practical solutions to water efficiencies, groundwater use and agricultural practices that keep agriculture and our communities viable, protect ecosystems, and sustain the Harney County way of life.
Submit a Public Notice
Fill out this form and we will be in contact asap or you can call 541-910-KWRL.