Partnership

• Partnership Formation ( 2 Articles )
  Efforts to form the Walla Walla Watershed Partnership began in 2005. At that time the effort was titled the "Water Management Initiative" and was a partnership between those in the Walla Walla Basin and the Department of Ecology. During this process it was recognized that in order to implement the Water Management Initiative, Walla Walla needed a dependable, coordinated, organization with specific authorities related to water management.
• Participate ( 4 Articles )
  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.
• Local Water Plans ( 3 Articles )
  Information on Filed, Reviewed, and Approved Local Water Plan Projects.
• Partnership Operation ( 6 Articles )