ORS 537.595: Construction or alteration of well commenced prior to August 3, 1955, recognized as right to appropriate water when registered.

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 537.545 or 537.575 or 537.585 and subject to determination under ORS 537.670 to 537.695, when any person or public agency on August 3, 1955, is lawfully engaged in good faith in such construction, alteration or extension of a well for the application of ground water to beneficial use, the right to appropriate such ground water, upon completion of such construction, alteration or extension and application of the ground water to beneficial use within a reasonable time fixed by the Water Resources Commission, when registered under ORS 537.605 and 537.610, is recognized to the extent of the beneficial use of the ground water.