Water rights

In 2024, the Washington Department of Ecology decided to do a water adjudication in Whatcom County, impacting both surface and ground water.

If you own land, or you’re thinking about buying, water rights are an important detail to know.  Whether you're trying to understand them, trying to get them, or trying to find them, water rights are complicated.  But to help land owners, or would be landowners, the Washington Department of Ecology has unveiled a new, interactive Water Resources Web Map.  DOE says this new map w...

The Bureau of Reclamation released its April total water supply available forecast for the Yakima basin, which shows little change in the anticipated water supply for the season ahead.  Like the March report, this month’s forecast indicates the water supply will not fully meet irrigation demands this season.  The estimate ...

Idaho lawmakers are considering reforms to the state’s domestic use exemption in Idaho water law.  The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Braden Jensen said Senate Bill 1083A, was developed by a water user workgroup, of which IFBF was a part.   “Curren...

"But the final word over control of water does not have to be surrendered to agencies and judges," noted eastern Oregon’s Cliff Bentz, during a field hearing to address Central Oregon’s Water Supply last week.  "We are here because it's our belief that with your help and insight. We can develop legis...

It was a full house in Lynden, Washington this week when hundreds of local residents gathered to learn how they can protect their water rights amid an upcoming state lawsuit.

Maddie Dollarhide, the 22-23 Oregon FFA Secretary, says water rights are top of mind for a variety of growers across the west.  Especially in central and southern Oregon.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

The Bureau of Reclamation’s July water supply forecast in encouraging news for central Washington Growers.  According to Reclamation, the Yakima basin water supply will fully satisfy all senior and junior users this irrigation season.  June com...

Irrigation water should not be an issue in the Yakima Basin, at least according to the latest numbers from the Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau’s June 2022 total water supply available forecast indicates the water supply will fully satisfy all senior and junior users this irrigation season. Rec ...

The District of Arizona court ruled this week to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. However, what the decision means for the rule is one of many questions yet to be answered. Three courts have refused to dismantle the NWPR, including last month when a federal court in South Carolina refused a similar request from plaintiff groups ...