WRIA 1 Water Rights Adjudication
Use a well, stream, or lake in the Nooksack Watershed? The filing deadline has been extended to June 1, 2027. Homeowners, farmers, and business owners should still submit their claims as soon as possible.
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What's Happening & Why It Matters
Live in WRIA 1 and use a well, stream, or lake? The deadline to file your legal water rights claim has been extended to June 1, 2027. Thousands of WRIA 1 water users have already filed their claims. Filing early is strongly recommended — your involvement is essential to protect your rights.
What Is Adjudication?
A legal process to determine who has the right to use water, and in what amount. It protects existing users and ensures sustainable management.
Why was the deadline extended?
This was done to give additional property owners time to receive legal notice, ensure everyone follows the same deadline, and reduce confusion while the case moves forward.
What Is WRIA 1?
The Nooksack Basin — it collects water from rain and snow. Anyone using water from wells, lakes, or streams here is part of WRIA 1.
Who Needs to File?
If your home, farm, or business gets water from a private well, stream, river, lake, or spring in the WRIA 1 (Nooksack Watershed) area, you may need to file a water rights claim. If you get your water from a city or public water system, you generally don't need to file. If you're not sure, the Washington Department of Ecology can help you determine whether you need to submit a claim.
How Long Does Filing Take?
Most claims take 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on how much information and documentation you already have. Gathering your well records ahead of time can make the process faster.
How Much Does It Cost?
The filing fee is $25, plus a $1 online service fee if you file electronically. If you are unable to afford the fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver through the court.
📢 Deadline Extended
The deadline for filing water rights claims in the Whatcom County WRIA 1 adjudication has been extended to June 1, 2027. Funding is secured and the adjudication process is continuing as planned.
Well Pump Maintenance & Your Water Rights
A properly functioning well pump demonstrates ongoing, beneficial use — a key factor in adjudication. Service records, pressure testing, and pump replacements create documentation that can support your claim if it's reviewed.
Create Records
Invoices and logs prove active, ongoing water use over time.
Support Your Claim
Documentation is critical if your claim is reviewed or questioned.
Prevent Gaps
Failures interrupt use — gaps that complicate proving consistency.
LaVergne's Plumbing — Well Pump Service & Documentation
What Happens If You Don’t File a WRIA 1 Water Rights Claim?
If you fail to submit a claim by the extended deadline of June 1, 2027, the court may not recognize your water use in the final adjudication order. This could affect future water access, property transactions, or your ability to defend your historical use.
Didn't receive certified mail?
Some remaining WRIA 1 landowners are now being legally notified through published notices in local newspapers. If you own property in WRIA 1 and use water from a well, stream, or lake, don't assume you're exempt simply because you didn't receive certified mail. Contact the Department of Ecology if you're unsure whether you need to file.
Common Myths vs. Facts For Private Well Owners
"My well is permit-exempt, so I don't need to file."
You do; even small household wells must be included in the adjudication process. “Permit-exempt” does not mean exempt from filing.
"I didn't get a summons, so I'm not involved."
You may still need to file if you use water in WRIA 1.
"It's just a government formality."
It's a legal process that could impact your right to water.
How to File Your Claim
Understand Your Role
You've been identified as someone using water from wells, streams, or lakes in WRIA 1. Filing secures your legal water use rights.
Review Your Packet
Your packet includes a summons, instructions, and a court claim form. These are essential for completing your claim.
Fill Out the Form
- Your unique six-digit adjudication ID number
- Names of all property owners — all must sign
- Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete
Gather Resources
- Use water use calculators from Whatcom County
- Check the WRIA 1 map tool for existing documents
- Retrieve your well report, including depth and tag number
File Your Form
Submit online, in person, or by mail. The deadline has been extended to June 1, 2027. $25 filing fee, plus $1 service fee online. Fee waiver available at the court if needed.
Form Sections Explained
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Part A — Names | All people or entities who own the property where water is used. |
| Part B — Signatures | Every claimant in Part A must sign at the end of the form. |
| Part C — Small Households | ≤ 500 gal/day for indoor use. Lawn/garden up to ½ acre. Not for farming or business. |
| Part D — Commercial / Larger | Stream, river, or lake water. Farming/business use. 500+ gal/day. Irrigation over ½ acre. |
⚠️ Deadline Extended
The filing deadline has been extended to June 1, 2027, but early submission is still the best way to protect your rights and avoid last-minute stress.
Video Resources
Official recordings to help you understand the process and file your claim.
Adjudication Overview
What it is, who it affects, and why it matters.
How to File Your Claim
Step-by-step walkthrough of the court claim form.
Full Webinar
FAQs, deadlines, documentation, and community Q&A.
Farmers & Business Owners
Washington Department of Ecology
For Farmers
- Submit logs, crop records, and irrigation maps
- Use Water Use Calculator for estimates
- Attend ag-focused workshops — Farm Bureau, WSU
For Business Owners
- File if you use water for operations or landscape
- Document daily and seasonal usage
- Provide invoices, utility records, or permit info
What Happens Next
You'll receive confirmation of your submission.
The court may request additional details later.
Your claim will be reviewed over several years.
You may be invited to mediation if there's a conflict.
DOE Resources & Free Support
Appointments at Ecology's Bellingham Field Office. Sign up for the Nooksack Adjudication e-newsletter.
Why Trust LaVergne's Plumbing And Heating?
For more than 30 years, LaVergne's Plumbing And Heating has proudly served homeowners throughout Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Northwest Washington with expert private plumbing services. Our experienced team specializes in well pump repair, pressure tank replacement, water system troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance to help keep your water system operating reliably. We also provide detailed service records and invoices that homeowners can retain as part of their property documentation. While only the court determines water rights during the WRIA 1 Water Rights Adjudication, maintaining accurate records of your well system can be a valuable part of your overall property files.
Protect Your Water Rights Today
The deadline has been extended to June 1, 2027. Need well pump maintenance to support your claim? Call LaVergne's Plumbing — family owned since 1951, serving Whatcom & Skagit Counties.