Publication Summary

The Walla Walla River Basin (Basin) poses unique water management challenges. It is an over-appropriated basin with very limited water resources and a critical need to improve flows for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species. Other issues arise because water management must include coordination with Oregon water interests and governments.

In the face of these challenges, the Walla Walla community came together and showed their collective commitment to enhance flows for fish and provide improved water management practices for farms. Basin members have already started using numerous innovative methods to manage water sustainably. For example, irrigation districts in both Washington and Oregon have agreed to by-pass flows to support the recovery of ESA-listed fish species.

These efforts resulted in Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) making an unprecedented offer. Ecology would support flexible, local management of water in the Basin, provided that:

1) Stream flows and water quality are enhanced and maintained to support fish.

2) Conflicts that might arise around flexible water use are handled within the Basin.

This report is in response to Ecology′s offer, the Legislature′s request for a comprehensive water management proposal, as well as other Basin needs.