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Yakima County Superior Court has ordered, consistent with RCW 90.03.360, all water right owners with confirmed water rights in the Yakima River Basin to install an approved metering or measuring device at each confirmed surface water diversion point below 2,000 feet elevation by April 1, 2006. Those with confirmed rights with diversion points above 2,000 feet elevation shall have an approved metering or measuring device installed by April 1, 2007. Printable copy of this FAQ
Q: What is a time variance to
the Court Order?
A. A time variance is an approved change in the
schedule ordered by the Adjudication Court for a water user to install a meter.
A user must apply to Ecology for a variance if they cannot meet the set timeline
for installing their measuring device. Ecology will consider each application on
the merits to determine whether a variance is warranted.
Q: How do I apply for a time
variance?
A: The instructions and form for applying for a
variance can be found on Ecology’s
Measuring Water Use Web site and on the
Yakima River Basin Metering and Reporting Web site.
If you do not have internet access, contact Ecology’s Central Regional office for a form. Complete the form and submit it to the Central Regional office.
Q: What are some
reasons that would support a time variance for installing a meter?
A: Each situation is unique, and Ecology
understands that there may be sound reasons for not being able to install a
meter within the timeframe set in the Court Order. In all cases, users applying
for a variance must provide documentation supporting the reasons. The following
are some, though not all, reasons that may support a variance:
Q: What financial
assistance is available for the design, purchase, and installation of meters?
A: The Legislature appropriated about $1.16
million to Ecology for cost-sharing with users in the design, purchase, and
installation of meters. At the same time, the user can sign up with the
conservation district for assistance in installing a fish screen or in improving
the use and management of water. The result is reduced costs, efficient and
timely use of resources.
Q: Where can I get more
information on financial assistance?
A: Ecology’s
Measuring Water Use Web site
and on the Yakima River Basin Metering
and Reporting Web site, (509) 575-2490 or call:
Ken Schuster
Ecology Central Regional Office
15 W Yakima Ave,
Suite 200
Yakima, WA 98902-3452
Phone: 509 454-4263
e-mail:
ksch461@ecy.wa.gov
Additional assistance and information sources:
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
