Umatilla County Code Enforcement Program is taking new steps to address complaints about discharged water on county roadways.
Each year, County Road Department, Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement receive complaints from area residents. According to the county, the primary concern is for safety, but citizens also have complained about the nuisance created by water on roadways and about wasting or spreading of water.
Under ORS 368.256, the discharge of water onto a public roadway by a landowner or occupant of land is illegal. This includes water discharged from an irrigation sprinkler or other irrigation method.
County Code Enforcement Officers will be placing warning tags on irrigation equipment that is in violation. Property owners will be asked to take steps to prevent further discharge of water onto roadways. Failure to comply with the statute may result in enforcement action, including the issuance of a citation to Circuit Court.
For more information, call the Umatilla County Planning Department at 541-278-6252.
