Water Rights

Attention Nooksack Basin Residents and Business Owners: Urgent Water Rights Alert for Nooksack Watershed Residents

If you depend on water from wells, streams, or lakes within the Nooksack watershed, it’s vital to engage in the ongoing water rights adjudication process. Initiated by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) and filed in Whatcom County Superior Court, this legal action under RCW 90.03.140 and RCW 90.44.220 will significantly affect water usage across the Nooksack River system.

What is Water Adjudication?

Water adjudication is not merely a legal formality; it is a critical process that will establish the hierarchy of water rights throughout our watershed. As pressures mount from increased population demands, environmental shifts, and the sacred tribal rights to fish, water adjudication becomes a battleground where every drop counts. This process will ensure that water use is regulated fairly and sustainably, preserving our most vital resource for future generations.

Immediate Action Required:

The adjudication process kicked off with a preliminary hearing on June 26. If you use water in this region, expect to receive a legal summons instructing you on how to file a claim for your water rights within the next year. Failure to respond could result in losing your water access. This process involves around 30,000 stakeholders, including individual users, local governments, and tribal entities. Compliance with existing regulations for permit-exempt wells is crucial to maintain your rights.

Impact on the Community:

This adjudication will profoundly impact various sectors, especially the roughly 1,500 farms relying on this water for irrigation, as well as local homeowners and businesses. Balancing water distribution is essential for sustaining agriculture and supporting the community’s future water needs.

Act Now to Protect Your Water Rights:

This is a critical time for the Nooksack community. Your active involvement is essential to ensure fair water management and safeguard your rights. Visit the DOE’s website for more information and to take part in shaping the water future of our region. Stay proactive by visiting the Whatcom County or DOE adjudication web pages, which offer resources and information to help you understand and engage in the adjudication process. For further questions, contact the DOE via their online contact form here.

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