
| Title | Setting Instream Flows in Washington State | |
| Month-Year Published | August 1998 | |
| Revised on | November 2001 | |
| Online Availability |
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| Short Description |
This Ecology Report defines instream flows, explains why instream flows are important, describes instream flow methodology, explains the history of Ecology's instream flow program and the future direction of the program with watershed planning. (Also see abstract below) | |
| Publication Number | 98-1813-WR | |
| Author(s) | Smith, Paula | |
| Print Availability | ||
| Number of pages | 4 | |
| Keywords | fish, flow, instream flow, law, report , right, rule, stream, study, water, water right, water rights, watershed | |
| Related Web Content | Instream Flows in Washington | |
| Related Publications | Title | Relationship |
| 2003 Report to the Legislature: Instream Flow Setting Progress across the State | similar topic | |
| Chapter 173-501 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program–Nooksack Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 1 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-507 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program--Snohomish River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 7 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-508 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program— Cedar–Sammamish Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-509 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program– Green–Duwamish River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-510 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program - Puyallup River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 10 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-511 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program--Nisqually River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 11 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-512 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program-chambers- Clover Creeks Basin, Water Resource inventory Area (WRIA) 12 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-513 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program–Deschutes River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 13 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-514 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program–Kennedy– Goldsborough Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 14 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-515 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program–Kitsap Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 15 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-522 WAC, Water Resources Program In The Chehalis River Basin, WRIA–22 And 23 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-545 WAC, Instream Resources Protection Program — Wenatchee River Basin, Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 45 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-548 WAC, Water Resources Program In The Methow River Basin, WRIA 48 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-549 WAC, Water Resources Program In The Okanogan River Basin, WRIA 49 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-555 WAC, Water Resources Program In The Little Spokane River Basin, WRIA 55 | related regulation | |
| Chapter 173-559 WAC, Water Resources Program For The Colville River Basin, WRIA–59 | related regulation | |
| Abstract | Long Description |
This Ecology Report defines instream flows, explains why instream flows are important, describes instream flow methodology, explains the history of Ecology's instream flow program and the future direction of the program with watershed planning. The legal and administrative meaning of "instream flow" is different from either base flow or stream flow, being more abstract. The volumne of water required for an instream flow is developed by considering existing data, the hydrology of a stream and its natural variations in stream flow and base flow over the course of the year, studying the need for fish habitat, as well as many other factors. Ecology is required by law to protect instream flows by adopting regulations and to manage water uses that affect stream flows. Once adopted, an instream flow rule acquires a priority date similar to that associated with a water right. Water rights existing at the time an instream flow is adopted are unaffected by the rule and those issued after the rule adoption are subject to the requirements of the instream flow rule. A "junior" wate right would contain provisions requiring the diversion of water authorized by the water right to cease when the stream flow drops to the levels protected by the rule. |
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