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Department of Ecology News Release - Nov. 28, 2000
00-228
OLYMPIA - The state's first effort to purchase water to restore stream flows is showing promise as part of an effort to help recover dwindling populations of salmon.
This fall, the state Department of Ecology signed transactions totaling $420,000 to return 1,730 gallons of water per minute to the Methow and Walla Walla rivers. The money is part of a $1 million appropriation approved by the legislature and Gov. Gary Locke in 1999 to purchase and lease water rights to put water back into streams where water flows are too low for fish runs.
"Buying water for fish is a key part of managing water in the 21st century," said Tom Fitzsimmons, director of Ecology. "These purchases and leases prove that water has a price tag attached to it, even for fish.
"By placing a dollar value on water, we can quickly break through much of the gridlock that is stifling the movement of water in our state. All we need is a willing buyer and a willing seller," Fitzsimmons said.
The largest purchase of water was in the Walla Walla basin. Ecology bought nearly 1,540 gallons of water per minute from a Walla Walla farmer for $405,000. The water is currently being used to irrigate 225 acres of wheat and alfalfa seed crop. This irrigation water will now stay in the Walla Walla River to provide more water for fish.
The water purchase in the Walla Walla basin also includes a conservation easement that will permanently protect the streamside habitat from development along nearly three miles of the river. This protection should improve water quality, make the soil and stream bank more stable, increase water storage and conservation opportunities, and improve the habitat for fish and wildlife.
Ecology and the Washington Water Trust, a nonprofit conservation group, recently leased approximately 190 gallons of water per minute for $5,000 a year. The three-year lease involves Methow River water that has been used by an irrigator for hay and animal pastures.
In addition, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently worked with Ecology and the Washington Water Trust to lease two separate water rights or uses in the Methow area. One lease involves putting water back into Beaver Creek, and the other lease involves putting water back into the Methow River.
Under the leases, WDFW will put the water back in the stream at no charge. The agency had been using the water to irrigate hay crops.
With about half of the $1 million appropriation remaining, Ecology hopes to make additional water purchases by next July in areas where stream flows are low and fish need more water. In addition, Fitzsimmons said he is optimistic that the 2001 Legislature will provide funding to buy more water for fish.
"We are very interested in making other purchases with this forward-looking program," said Fitzsimmons. "It's great when people donate water back to streams for fish, but that's not financially feasible for everyone. Where we have a crucial need to put water back in a stream, it's appropriate for the state to compensate willing sellers."
People interested in selling, leasing or donating their water rights should contact Laura Lowe at the Dept. of Ecology, (360) 407-7255.
CONTACT: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6157; pager, (360) 534-8590
For more information: Ecology Web site - http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/plan/htopics.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
