ORS 547.069: Formation of drainage district by owners of certain lands permitted.

In a contiguous body of swamp, wet or overflowed land or irrigated land from which waters contribute to the swamp or to the wet or overflowed condition of the same or different land, the owners of record of at least 50 percent of the acreage may form a drainage district for the purpose of reclaiming and protecting the land by drainage, flood control or otherwise from the effects of water:

      (1) For sanitary or agricultural purposes; or

      (2) When reclaiming and protecting the land protects life or property from the harmful effects of water or produces another public utility or benefit.