Measuring Water

Measuring Water

Measuring Water home photo

Since 1993, the water code requires the measurement of all new surface water rights and all existing water rights that meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Surface water diversions greater than one cubic feet of water per second, or
  • Diversions and withdrawals from surface and ground water sources that support fish stocks classified as critical or depressed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Since 2002, Ecology has required measuring devices as a condition in all water right permitting decisions.

In addition, a ruling in a 1999 lawsuit brought on by American Rivers, Center for Environmental Law and Policy (CELP) and other groups requires Ecology to achieve 80% metering compliance in 16 Fish Critical Basins in the state.

 

Laws and rules governing measuring water

  • Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC):

Meter Information

Benefits of Measuring Water Use

Measuring water use benefits the public in many ways, such as:

  • Providing a tool for ensuring compliance with water rights.
  • Supplying information for water resource planning and management.
  • Informing water users how much water they are using, and
  • Helping to better manage a limited natural resource.

Links

Contacts

Northwest Region
Christy Fiedler
425-649-7217
christy.fiedler@ecy.wa.gov
  Bellingham Field Office
Kasey Ignac
360-715-5222
kasey.ignac@ecy.wa.gov
Southwest Region
Eva Richards
360-407-6643
eva.richards@ecy.wa.gov
  Central Region
Water Resources
(509) 575-2490
Office of Columbia River
Eiko Urmos-Berry
509-575-2397
eiko.urmos-berry@ecy.wa.gov
  Eastern Region
Water Resources
509-329-3400

 

REPORT WATER USE ONLINE


Submit water use reports online

 


Request an online reporting account

 

Quick Reference Guide - Reporting your water use online

 


Yakima River Basin - Metering and Reporting

 

Office of Columbia River - Metering Program