Methow  Basin

Since 1998, Washington Water Trust has been working to restore stream flows that help sustain the fisheries, water quality and recreational resources vital to everyone.

   Adequate stream flow is critical for native fish such as salmon and steelhead, yet many of our streams have become flow limited as demands increase for our shared water resources. Using the Washington State Trust Water Program and cooperating with diverse partners, our innovative and market-based projects protect and restore Washington streams while honoring the values of our partners.

How We Work

Our voluntary agreements balance the needs of fish with the desires of water right holders who participate in our projects.  After more than a decade of experience, Washington Water Trust has developed a rich project portfolio that provides real incentives for water stewardship. Our projects and services include:

Flow Restoration & Protection

• Execute water right sales/leases
• Design water management alternatives
• Leverage funds for projects benefiting stream flows
• Assess water rights and mitigation scenarios
  

Consultation and Coordination

• Execute water use changes

• Develop and administer water banking , water auctions
• Engage stakeholder and agency involvement
• Provide education and outreach

Priorities & Focus Areas

We work statewide and focus on basins identified as critically flow limited. These basins include the Entiat, Methow, Nooksack, Okanogan, Puyallup, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima Basins. We are also active in the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Lower Columbia, Klickitat and Stillaguamish basins.

Why Washington Water Trust?

WWT is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that specializes in navigating the intricacies of water rights. We are a confidential resource for water rights planning and we consult regularly with legal experts, state agencies, agricultural producers, tribes, conservation districts and land trusts to gain the perspective and knowledge for successful collaborations.

   Our board includes members from Nespalem, Olympia,  Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Selah, Yakima, Buckley, Vancouver and Seattle offering expertise in water law, hydrology, agriculture, economics and fisheries.

For more information email Susan Adams susan@thewatertrust.org