Water
Many of you have asked us for assistance in better understanding the background and history leading up to Okanogan County's recent Ordinance 2019-11, which in effect placed a moratorium on the division of land within the Methow watershed, subject to a few narrow exceptions. As we work to play a constructive role in the processes ahead, we offer the following documents that we have found helpful in understanding this action by the County Commissioners, and the underlying issues:
Links to information specifically about Okanogan County Ordinance 2019-11
- The Text of the Actual Ordinance: Okanogan County Ordinance 2019-11
- Correspondence from Methow Valley Citizens Council/ Futurewise to Okanogan County on October 4, 2019
- Our Public Comment Letter in Response to Ordinance 2019-11
- Public Comment by MVCC in Response to Ordinance 2019-11
- Public Comment by Futurewise in Response to Ordinance 2019-11
- The Methow Rule (Adopted 1976) – the “rule” that governs how water is allocated in our watershed
- The Methow Watershed Plan (2005)
- Methow Valley News Report of January 29, 2020
- Methow Valley News Report of December 25, 2019
Links to studies focused on water quality and availability:
- The Methow Basin Report - – the report that came out at the time of the Methow Rule
- Aspect Consulting's 2009 Water Use Study Plan for the Methow Valley
- Final Detailed Implementation Plan for WRIA 48
Links to relevant case law:
- WA Supreme Court Case: Campbell & Gwinn v. DOE - 2002 case central to arguments surrounding "single domestic use" of water
- Whatcom County v. Hirst, Futurewise, et al (2016)
Links to general background on Washington State Water Law
- The RCW that defines a Permit Exempt Well
- Landowner's Guide to Washington Water Rights
- Washington State Water Law: A Primer
Links to other organizations with resources: