In Oregon, water belongs to the public.  The state grants permits to people who want to use water.  The permit defines how much water people can use, where they can use it, and what they can use it for.

The state granted permits for more water than we usually have available in the Deschutes Basin.  When water demands exceed water supply, older permits receive water before newer permits.  We move older water rights instream to make water permanently available for fish and wildlife.