The Streamflow Restoration Act (RCW 90.94) is a new law affecting water resource management in Washington State. The law, passed in 2018, helps protect water resources while providing water for families in rural Washington.
The law directs local planning groups in 15 watersheds to develop or update plans that offset potential impacts to instream flows associated with new permit-exempt domestic water use.
Ecology is leading the WRIA 9 Duwamish/Green Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee. Get more information:
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How the law affects this watershed
As of Jan. 19. 2018, new permit-exempt wells for domestic use in this watershed are:
allowed 950 gallons per day as the maximum annual average (350 gallons per day during drought).
subject to a $500 fee.
Please contact your county for more information on these standards as they may change in the final watershed plan or any potential rulemaking.
This watershed:
has an instream flow rule that does not regulate permit-exempt wells.
is directed by Section 203 of the new law to adopt a watershed restoration and enhancement plan by June 30, 2021.
The Department of Ecology offers free language services. We can provide information written in your preferred language and interpreters over the phone. For more information, please contact Stephanie Potts at 425 649-7138.
WRE Plan
The WRIA 9 Committee voted to approve the watershed plan on February 23, 2021. The final plan, appendices, and supporting resources are posted here:
This committee has until June 2021 to complete plans that estimate the 20 year consumptive use from new permit-exempt wells and identify projects to offset that consumptive use. The plans will need to meet net ecological benefit.
The committee approved the final plan in February 2021 and does not have additional meetings scheduled.
January 28 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168. This is a joint meeting with the Cedar-Sammamish (WRIA 8) Committee.
May 28 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. King County South Treatment Plan, Black River Room, 1200 Monster Road S.W. Renton, WA 98507. This is a joint meeting with the Cedar-Sammamish (WRIA 8) Committee.
We have launched a grant program for Streamflow Restoration implementation projects. These grants will focus on projects that improve streamflows and instream resources.