"What we need in Oregon, briefly, is a complete record of water rights ... on the subject of waters. I recommend that a complete code of water law be enacted providing a definite system for establishing and acquiring titles to the use of water, for conveniently proving such title or claim of title in some central office where an abstract of titles or water rights can be readily ascertained, and for the protection by the State of all rights to the use of water."

John H. Lewis, State Engineer, Biennial Reports of the State Engineer of Oregon to the Governor of Oregon (1905)