Oregon Revised Statutes Water Resources: Irrigation, Drainage, Flood Control, Reclamation § 537.250

(1) After the Water Resources Department has received a request for issuance of a water right certificate accompanied by the survey required under ORS 537.230 (4) that shows, to the satisfaction of the department, that an appropriation has been perfected in accordance with the provisions of the Water Rights Act, the department shall issue to the applicant a certificate of the same character as that described in ORS 539.140. The certificate shall be recorded and transmitted to the applicant as provided in that section.

(2) When issuing a water right certificate under subsection (1) of this section in the name of a district as defined in ORS 540.505, or in the name of a government agency for a district, the department may issue the water right certificate for land not described in the permit in accordance with ORS 537.252.

(3) Rights to the use of water acquired under the provisions of the Water Rights Act, as set forth in a certificate issued under subsection (1) of this section, shall continue in the owner thereof so long as the water shall be applied to a beneficial use under and in accordance with the terms of the certificate, subject only to loss: