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Certified Water Right Examiners

Rule making

Ecology is proposing rule making for implementation of the Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE) program authorized under RCW 90.03.665.  The proposed statewide rule creating the program is the result of 2010 legislation that authorizes the use of contractors to complete the final proof of examination to qualify water users for water right certificates.  Water users will benefit from the program because permits may be certified sooner.  Water users supporting the proposed rule include cities, public utility districts and the agricultural community.

The proposed rule:

1. Establishes a fee to help Ecology cover the costs of testing and certifying contractors.
2. Describes the process for becoming certified.
3. Describes the process for hiring a certified water right examiner.

Ecology News Release, May 19, 2011 - Ecology's proposed water right examiner program will increase efficiency of water right application processing

Rule Workshops

Workshops on the proposed rule authorizing the water right examiner program were held in Lacey, WA on June 15, 2011 and Moses Lake, WA on June 23, 2011.

• Pre-proposal statement of inquiry - CR-101
• Draft Certified Water Rights Examiner Rule Language - 06/07/2011

Public Hearings and Comment Period

Public hearings and a public comment period will be announced after the workshops before the proposed rule is considered for adoption.

If you interested in receiving information about this rule making process please contact:

Rebecca Inman
Department of Ecology HQ
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Office - 360 407-6450
Rebecca.Inman@ecy.wa.gov

Certified Water Right Examiners

Ecology is not currently taking applications for CWREs at this time, however if you are interested in becoming a certified water rights examiner, see below:

Minimal qualifications needed to become a certified water right examiner in Washington

Persons interested in becoming a certified water rights examiner must initially meet at least one of the following qualifications:

1. Registered in Washington as a professional engineer.
2. Registered in Washington as a professional land surveyor.
3. Registered in Washington as a registered (licensed) hydrogeologist.
4. Demonstrate at least five years of applicable experience.
5. Be a current board member of a water conservancy board.

If you meet one of these qualifications, you may be eligible take the examination for certification.

Getting on the list to become a certified water rights examiner

If you are interested in applying and testing for the certified water rights examiner in Washington and you meet one of the minimum qualifications listed above, send your name, preliminary qualifying information, and contact information including your email address to: Barbara.Anderson@ecy.wa.gov.  Ecology will contact parties on the list as rule making progresses.

Online Study Guide

Ecology offers the following information to applicants preparing to become a Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE).  In order to pass the test the applicant will need a working knowledge of Washington State water law and regulations.  

As required in RCW 90.03.665, the following subjects will be covered on the test:

• Water law in Washington State.
• Measurement of the flow of water through open channels and enclosed pipes.
• Water use and water level reporting.
• Estimation of the capacity of reservoirs and ponds.
• Irrigation crop water requirements.
• Aerial photo interpretation.
• Legal descriptions of land parcels.
• Location of land and water infrastructure through the use of maps and global positioning.
• Proper construction and sealing of well bores.
• Other topics related to the preparation and certification of water rights in Washington State.

The Online Study Guide contains links to information that can help you prepare for the test:

• Online Study Guide for Certified Water Rights Examiners - April 17, 2012

Water Resources Explorer

Information on over 230,000 active water right and claim records in Washington State is available online.  The Water Resources Program provides an interactive web map called Water Resources Explorer.  This tool provides direct public access to all water right records in the Water Resources database.

Contact

Barbara Anderson
Department of Ecology HQ
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Office - 360 407-6607
Barbara.Anderson@ecy.wa.gov

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