Ecology adopts water management rule for Quilcene-Snow watershed

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - December 1, 2009

09-282

OLYMPIA – A new water management rule for eastern Jefferson County intended to balance current and future demands for water with protection of valuable natural resources was signed Monday by state Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant.

The instream flow rule encompasses most of the Quilcene-Snow watershed, known as Water Resource Inventory Area 17 (WRIA 17). It takes effect Dec. 31, 2009.

Research shows that low stream flows, endangered populations of fish and anticipated demands for more water to support agriculture and new homes are some of the factors stressing local water supplies in the Quilcene-Snow watershed.

Sturdevant says the competition for water in a water-limited basin could create a collision of needs if water-smart strategies aren’t developed and implemented.

“When there’s not enough water in a basin for everyone’s needs to be met, the only option is to better manage the water you’ve got or risk a train wreck between the competing needs,” he said. “Ecology is trying to manage limited water supplies in ways that protect fish and allow for both existing uses and future growth and avoids train wrecks. We think this new rule does that.

“While some may disagree with who gets how much water in this rule, one thing we can all agree on is the need for smart projects that increase water supply when it’s needed most. That will take partnership, resources and time, but we’re committed to working with willing partners to develop those projects.”

The rule spans most of eastern Jefferson County. It applies to those seeking new ground and surface water uses starting Dec. 31, 2009. It protects existing water users whose rights would otherwise be at risk without this rule.

Major elements of the approved rule:

Setting instream flow levels on 13 streams in 11 sub-basins to protect aquatic resources, including habitat for threatened and endangered salmonids.
Closing all streams to future surface water and groundwater withdrawals that would diminish flows. Exceptions are made for seasonal water use from Chimacum Creek and the Big Quilcene River and the creation of reserves.
Establishing reserves of water for future use and specifying the conditions required in order to access them.
Establishing a conservation standard for new permit-exempt well use to benefit in-stream resources and to manage water in reserves (500 gallons per day maximum not to exceed an annual average of 350 gallons per day).

Portions of the proposed rule were dropped prior to its signature. Those changes include:

Deleting the originally proposed requirement for conservation standards for new wells in coastal management areas. More time is needed before adopting strategies in the coastal areas.
Deleting provisions for collecting and using rooftop rainwater that duplicate a recent Ecology policy on rainwater collection.
Dropping language that is covered in an existing Ecology policy on stockwater.

The rule comes after four years of field research, water studies and extensive work with the watershed planning unit, community members, tribes and local, state and federal agencies. Since 2005, Ecology sponsored several workshops and public events to gather local input and understand the community’s values and perspectives.

Ecology will continue working with local governments to help the community develop new sources of water, particularly for those sub-basins with limited or no reserves of water for allocation after the rule takes effect.

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Media Contact: Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239 (desk) or 360-791-9830 (cell)

For more information: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/instream-flows/quilsnowbasin.html