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Instream Flows In Washington

The term "instream flow" is used to identify a specific stream flow (typically measured in cubic feet per second, or cfs) at a specific location for a defined time, and typically following seasonal variations. Instream flows are usually defined as the stream flows needed to protect and preserve instream resources and values, such as fish, wildlife and recreation. Instream flows are most often described and established in a formal legal document, typically an adopted state rule.

• Map of Existing and Future Instream Flow Rules 12/2010

The Science Behind Instream Flows

Scientific methods for determining how much water fish need, instream Flow Study (technical) Guidelines, River and stream flow monitoring

Protecting Our Stream Flows--Growing Needs for Water: Sharing a Limited Supply

Learn the basics about stream flows and instream flows, and why they are important

Laws and Rules

Instream flow rules recently adopted or under development, primary statutes and legal basis related to instream flows

Resources and Studies

Includes maps, publications, studies, links to other sites.

Water Market

Ecology utilizes three programs to facilitate a water market. They are the Trust Water Rights Program, the Water Acquisition Program, and Water Banking.

Public Notice

Public notice is provided via the web for Trust Water Right Donations and for Trust Water Right Short-term Leases.

• Public Notice and Comment - Trust Water Rights Resulting from Donations or Short-term Leases

Contacts:

Technical or scientific questions about instream flows:

Policy and instream flow rule questions: