Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/288



The basis for any future development of the water resources of Oregon whether by private or public funds, is the State water law.

Inasmuch as the new water code was enacted largely through the efforts of this commission, we deem it advisable to call attention briefly to the workings of this code and to outline what further legislation should, in our opinion, be enacted, in order to perfect and strengthen it.

The administration of this law has been closely watched by members of this commission, and so far as we can ascertain it has been a complete success. The law has greatly stimulated investments, as the cost of works to be constructed under permits issued by the State Engineer during the first three and one-half years, exceeded ^3,863,000. If these works are constructed as planned, 961,000 acres will be added to the irrigated area of Oregon, and 176,125 additional horse power will be developed. That the promotors have some confidence in their ability to carry out these works is evidenced by the fact that $47,600 has been paid the State of Oregon prior to the issuance of these permits.

The determination and recording of early rights has progressed rapidly and the people generally recognize the great value in having the date of priority and limitations of their water rights established before the early settlers pass away, as without their oral testimony, these important facts in many cases could not be ascertained. The records now being compiled at Salem, are thoroughly indexed in a modern, business-like way, so that only a few seconds time is necessary to ascertain the details of title for any particular tract, or stream. These records, as they accumulate, are becoming of greater value each day to the prospective investor, and to the old appropriator as well. Their certainty adds value to the water right in case of sale, for record evidence of title can now be had, which was impossible under the old law.

Twenty-three separate stream systems have already been completely surveyed, involving about 275,000 acres of irrigated land. Over 2,000 separate claims to water have been filed with the Board of Control, and complete determinations made on fifteen stream systems, affecting 1068 separate rights and 106,686 acres of irrigated land. All of this has been accomplished without a single appeal to the Supr^ne Court and at