I agree with water rights....but generally they are based on flowing water in creeks and rivers. Not run-off.
He had three ponds, that I’ve read about.
The flowing water comes from run-off. The landscape in central and eastern Oregon is very dry. It would be dangerous to live out there in a rural setting without ponds for fire suppression purposes. So buying property without checking the water rights on the deed would be stupid.
There are people who refuse to deal with real estate agents, and this can be the result. I don’t know whether he used an agent or bought directly from the owner.
I live in southwest Washington State. Right now we’re dealing with some hard-headed county land-use employees who believe all rural folks with wells ought to be paying the country money for using water from wells. The county wants all wells to be metered.
Fat chance! I’m expecting some county employees to disappear; it would be the three SSSs (shoot, shut-up, shovel).