Instream Water Rights Leasing

The DRC works with districts and landowners to temporarily lease unused water rights instream.

Leased water retains its original priority date and satisfies state beneficial use requirements, preventing forfeiture. Some participants may receive payments to lease water; while others donate their water rights.

You may lease all or part of your irrigation rights. Lease options include:

• 5-year conditional lease – Lease terms span five years, with annual opt-out conditions.
• 1-year standard lease – Water rights are leased for one irrigation season.
• Split-season lease – Water rights are used for part of the season and leased for the remainder.

Instream leasing protects water rights, offers financial flexibility, and helps restore the Deschutes River and its tributaries.

Interested in leasing your water rights? Please contact us.