Item B: EWEB Water Rights - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. If the deal does go through, Veneta will maintain a secondary source of water. What is it? As outlined in the water purchase agreement with EWEB, Veneta will continue to operate and maintain their existing system as the secondary water source. 5. In EWEB's certification, what does "25% certification" mean referring to the third water right? EWEB’s third water right is not certificated. In other words, while the amount of water under that water right permit has been “set aside” for EWEB, the utility must move toward perfection (putting the water to beneficial use) of that water right or it will lose the right to use that water in the future. Failure to certify a water right permit or make reasonable progress toward certification can result in the loss of the permit – and the right to use any of the water under that permit in the future. In order to move toward certification, municipal water rights applicants are required to prepare a plan that identifies when they expect to be using the full quantity of water allowed under each permit, and must describe the methods and assumptions used in determining those date(s). This schedule must also include the expected schedule for certification of each water rights permit. The process of certification involves “proving up or perfecting” the water use allocated under a given permit, as defined by the rules governing beneficial use. Under Oregon law, a municipal water right permit may be partially perfected for not less than 25 percent of the permitted total allowed under the right, and a certificate can then be issued. This allows for a municipal water supplier to plan for increased capacity over time. Certification is the only way to obtain conclusive evidence of the priority and extent of the appropriation of a water right. 6. If EWEB does sell water to Veneta, do the water rights to that water also transfer to Veneta? No, EWEB is the permit holder and the water right would still belong to EWEB. 7. In EWEB's memo and in the "Key Messages" it says that selling surplus water can "reduce costs for EWEB customers". Does this mean a reduction in the monthly water bill if water is sold to Veneta? Not in itself. Treating and delivering water comes with high fixed overhead costs. Spreading those costs over a wider retail and wholesale base helps lower per capita costs and will help minimize the magnitude of future rate increases. 8. Eugene Code 9.8115 and 9.8121 seem to prohibit extensions of service out side of the Urban Growth Boundary. What would make the proposed sale to Veneta an exception? 2