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.
We are leading the WRIA 13 Deschutes Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee. Get more information:
If you would like to receive notices about WRIA 13 Deschutes Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee meetings, subscribe to the email list.
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 Angela Johnson at 360 407-6668.
This committee has until June 30, 2021 to complete plans that estimate the 20 year consumptive use from permit-exempt wells and identifies projects to offset that consumptive use. The plans will need to meet net ecological benefit.
The standing meeting date will be the 4th Wednesday of every month, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (unless otherwise noted). Meeting materials for past and upcoming meetings will be posted below.
In light of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and social distancing recommendations, we will host committee meetings online via WebEx only. The WebEx link and information will be available in the meeting agendas uploaded below. We respect the public’s right to learn about environmental decisions affecting their communities and will do everything possible to keep people safe and accommodate public participation. We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to talking with you.
2021
January 20, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., WebEx link is available in the agenda.
October 28, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda.
September 23, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda.
August 26, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda.
July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda.
June 24, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda.
May 27, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda. We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to talking with you.
April 29, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., This meeting was rescheduled from its original date of 4/22/20. Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda. We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to talking with you.
Because of the current guidance to not hold in-person meetings, this meeting will be WebEx only. WebEx link is available in the agenda. We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to talking with you.
November 21, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Tumwater City Hall – Council Chambers, 555 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 *note this is a different meeting room than the Tumwater Fire Department and is in the adjacent City Hall building.
October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Tumwater City Hall – Council Chambers, 555 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 *note this is a different meeting room than the Tumwater Fire Department and is in the adjacent City Hall building.
Presentation - Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee Kickoff Meeting
Streamflow restoration implementation grants
We have launched a grant program for Streamflow Restoration implementation projects. The first round of grants will focus on projects that improve streamflows and instream resources.