Oregon Revised Statutes Water Resources: Irrigation, Drainage, Flood Control, Reclamation § 537.460

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that conservation and efficient utilization of water benefits all water users, provides water to satisfy current and future needs through reduction of consumptive waste, improves water quality by reducing contaminated return flow, prevents erosion and allows increased in-stream flow.

(2) It is therefore declared to be the policy of the State of Oregon to:

(3) As used in this section, “efficient utilization” means use without waste, upgrading of irrigation equipment to comply with modern practices within a reasonable time period or other methods used to meet both current and future water needs at the least cost.