Participate
As of January 2012 the Partnership operates two main programs under RCW 90.92 (HB 1580) for participation: Local Water Plans and Water Banking. The Water Banking Program is further divided into "non-use agreement," "exempt-well mitigation exchange," and "acquisitions" sections. The Partnership's status as a Qualified Local Entity under the Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program is the basis for entering into voluntary lease and purchase transactions for water rights. Participation in all programs is voluntary. Implementation of these programs is the outcome of efforts in the Walla Walla Basin to create a pilot local water management program, which was authorized as a pilot program to be operated in the Walla Walla Basin by Washington State in 2009.
A technical guidance document for these programs is also in place. This document includes criteria required by RCW 90.92 and has been created for the benefit of the Partnership Board, Committees, and Staff as they file, review, and approve projects.
A technical guidance document for these programs is also in place. This document includes criteria required by RCW 90.92 and has been created for the benefit of the Partnership Board, Committees, and Staff as they file, review, and approve projects.
Local Water Plans
Who should participate?
Those who can develop a plan, alone or with other water right holders, to manage your water in a way that benefits you and stream flows
Will participation subject my water rights to relinquishment?
No
Will I have to go through a "validity and extent" review?
No, an alternative method for reviewing water rights will be used.
Are there any fees?
No
Who will approve this?
The local Partnership Board, and the Department of Ecology
How do I get more information?
Related Documents
None
Water Banking - Non-use Agreements
Who should participate?
Those who have a water right (or a portion of a right) that they would like to place in the "bank" and not use.
Will participation subject my water rights to relinquishment?
No
Will I have to go through a "validity and extent" review?
No, you need only to demonstrate your ownership of the rights, and provide a copy of the most current water right documentation.
Are there any fees?
No
Who will approve this?
How do I get more information?
Contact Staff or review the application material below
Related Documents
Application (Word 07)
(Note: if the word file saves as a .zip change the extension to .docx)
Application (Word 03)
Application (PDF)
Template Authorization Letter
(Note: if the word file saves as a .zip change the extension to .docx)
Application (Word 03)
Application (PDF)
Template Authorization Letter
Water Banking - Exempt Well Mitigation Program
Who should participate?
New exempt well users who have "outdoor use" that is restricted by WAC 173-532, and who desire to acquire "mitigation credits" related to such use.
Are there any fees?
Yes, a fee of $2,000 must be included with the application.
Who will approve this?
The local Partnership Board will approve issuing "mitigation credits" and the Department of Ecology will issue "mitigation certification" that the mitigation requirements of WAC 173-532 are met.
How do I get more information?
Contact Staff or review the application material below.
Related Documents
Water Banking - Acquisitions
Who should participate?
Those who have a water right (or a portion of a right) that they would like to sell or lease to the Partnership.
Will my water rights be subject to relinquishment while participating in this program?
No
Will I have to go through a "validity and extent" review to prove my past water use?
Yes for permanent sales of water rights; but the review process for leases will be case dependent with most "short-term" situations not requiring a formal validity and extent review; contact Staff for further detail.
Who will approve this?
The local Partnership Board, and the the funding entity, potentially the WA State Department of Ecology or Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program.
How do I get more information?
Related Documents