Warnick Proposal Would Ensure Water Rights During Conservation

Ask an irrigated farmer in Washington, why they struggle with the idea of water conservation.  More often than not losing their water is one of the top issues.  To combat that concern, state Senator Judy Warnick has introduced legislation for the 2017 session.  The Moses Lake Republican told the Washington Ag Network that under SB 5010, if a farmer has conservation efforts and measures for their irrigation operation, they will not lose their water rights.

“There are a number of non-relinquishment statutes, but we have not had anything that addresses the farmer’s ability to conserve water.  In my opinion we should encourage conservation.”

Warnick added farmers should not be asked to conserve water at the risk of losing their allocated rights.  Click Here to learn more about Warnick’s proposed legislation.

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