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Water Resources Act

Washington · Water Rights—Environment · §§ 90.54.005 to 90.54.920 · 26 sections

Overview

This act governs the withdrawal and use of the state's surface and groundwater resources, declaring water use a matter of public interest while preserving existing riparian rights. It creates a water resources commission and a dedicated office within state government, headed by a division chief, to administer the program, adopt rules, appoint advisory committees and councils, and negotiate interstate water compacts. Larger water users must file declarations of beneficial use and obtain certificates of use, and the agency may study areas of heavy demand, designate them as capacity stress areas, and impose conditions or restrictions on water use within them.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.

In the courts

Sections of this act have been cited in 60 court decisions.

Most-cited authority: 43 P.3d 4 - State, Dept. of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn

Sections covered

  • RCW 90.54.005Findings—Objectives—2002 c 329.1 cite
  • RCW 90.54.010Purpose.10 cites
  • RCW 90.54.020General declaration of fundamentals for utilization and management of waters of the state.24 cites
  • RCW 90.54.030Water and related resources—Department to be advised—Water resources data program.
  • RCW 90.54.035State funding of water resource programs—Priorities.
  • RCW 90.54.040Comprehensive state water resources program—Modifying existing and adopting new regulations and statutes.12 cites
  • RCW 90.54.045Water resource planning—Pilot process—Report to the legislature.
  • RCW 90.54.050Setting aside or withdrawing waters—Rules—Consultation with legislative committees—Public hearing, notice—Review.4 cites
  • RCW 90.54.060Department to seek involvement of other persons and entities, means—Assistance grants.
  • RCW 90.54.080State to vigorously represent its interests before federal agencies, interstate agencies.
  • RCW 90.54.090State, local governments, municipal corporations to comply with chapter.1 cite
  • RCW 90.54.100Department to evaluate needs for projects and alternative methods of financing.
  • RCW 90.54.110Authority to secure and obtain benefits, including grants.
  • RCW 90.54.120"Department," "utilize," and "utilization" defined.2 cites
  • RCW 90.54.130Land use management policy modifications—Advisory recommendations.
  • RCW 90.54.140Protection of groundwater aquifers if sole drinking water source.
  • RCW 90.54.150Water supply projects—Cooperation with other agencies—Scope of participation.
  • RCW 90.54.160Department to report on dam safety.
  • RCW 90.54.170Electric generation facility—Evaluation of application to appropriate water.
  • RCW 90.54.180Water use efficiency and conservation programs and practices.
  • RCW 90.54.191Streamflow restoration a priority.
  • RCW 90.54.210Department shall act on water rights applications that rely on reservations of water established in WAC 173-518-080 or 173-545-090.1 cite
  • RCW 90.54.800Policy guidelines.
  • RCW 90.54.900Certain rights, authority, not to be affected by chapter.2 cites
  • RCW 90.54.910Short title.
  • RCW 90.54.920Rights not impaired.3 cites

Enacted in other states

Alabama

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