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 15 Kitsap Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee. Get more information:
If you would like to receive notices about WRIA 15 Kitsap 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 Stacy Vynne McKinstry at 425 649-7114.
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.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we will host committee meetings online via WebEx only for the foreseeable future. WebEx link is available in the agenda. 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.
2021
April 26--W RIA 15 Committee Meeting-- 1pm to 3pm Webex and Agenda Coming Soon. Anticipated Decision on Final Draft Plan.
April 1--Project Workgroup Meeting
January 25– WRIA 15 Special Meeting 10am (please contact Stacy Vynne for details)
December 3 – Committee Meeting— 9:30am to 1:00pm WebEx Only.We are holding this meeting via WebEx only. A WebEx link is included in the agenda (Meeting Packet).
May 2—9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eagles Nest Community Center, 1195 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton, WA Regular meeting—9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Workgroup meeting—12:45 to 3 p.m. (contact Stacy Vynne McKinstry for more information)
Apr 4—9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kitsap Conference Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton Regular meeting—9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Workgroup meeting—1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (contact Stacy Vynne McKinstry for more information)
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.