Watermaster

Appointments required at Walnut Street Center.

What is a Watermaster?

We are responsible for water supply management in the Tualatin, Lake Oswego and Lower Willamette Drainage Basins. We are a contact for local landowners, elected officials and watershed councils. Our responsibilities include:

Collecting streamflow measurements and groundwater level data
Maintaining gauging stations
Well inspections
Routine dam safety inspections
Stream recovery efforts
Providing information about water rights and Oregon Water Law
Mediating disputes between water users
Regulating water use during shortages

Watermasters: Protecting our resources

Watermaster staff using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler — Hannah Spencer, Assistant Watermaster, and Ethan Nemiroff, Water Resources Technician, (above) were on site measuring the depth, width and velocity to calculate the stream’s discharge using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler.

Looking at the ebbs and flows of Washington County’s streams, it’s impossible to guess how much water is flowing downstream. For District 18 Watermaster Jacob Constans and his staff, it’s all in a day’s work.

Watermaster staff supports the delivery of stream flow and other water-level data. Gathering that data includes floating an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, which uses sound waves to calculate water discharge, across a stream. Staff also collect data from gaging stations, which track stream conditions to determine depth, discharge and temperature.

“We need a reliable water supply for domestic, commercial, municipal and recreational uses,” said Constans. “We all share the same resource. Protecting streamflow and aquifer levels safeguards water for ecosystems, the economy and quality of life.”

Despite the Pacific Northwest’s rainy winters, water shortages are a serious concern. Water District 18 has four Ground Water Limited Areas which have restrictions to help stabilize ground-water levels where heavy pumping has strained resources.

“The demand for water in Oregon is increasing,” Constans said. “The work we do ensures permit holders receive the water they are entitled to and helps support the long-term water security of our region.”

The District 18 Watermaster’s Office, which includes Washington County and parts of Columbia and Yamhill counties, is part of the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). OWRD tracks the water needs for the environment, agricultural irrigation and more.

The data from District 18 helps OWRD calculate, issue and enforce water rights. A water right is a permit allowing use of both ground water and/or water from lakes or streams for a beneficial purpose. Water rights are issued to local governments, industries, farmers and others. Water rights spell out the location of the water source, how and where it is used and when.

“We know water rights and regulations can be complex,” said Constans. “We are a hub for resources and answers. The public and other interested parties can always contact us if they have questions.”

Look up Water Rights