Agricultural water rights workshop
Powerpoint presentations

The 2010 King County Agricultural water rights workshop provided an overview of water law in Washington State including when water rights are required, how the state issues water rights, and practical information on obtaining, using, and protecting water rights for agricultural purposes.

Water rights in Washington State can be confusing and difficult to interpret. As a farmer, these presentations provide information you need to better understand water rights and how the laws apply to your situation.

The 2010 King County agricultural water rights workshop presentations are provided in Microsoft Powerpoint format.  For help viewing Powerpoint presentations, pleas see our software help page.

• Do I need a water right? Do I have a water right? Is it valid?
  Jacque Klug, WA State Department of Ecology
  This session will give you the basics about water rights. This includes understanding a bit about water law, the permitting process, the difference between a claim and a water right, and how the Department of Ecology administers and enforces the water codes
• Is My Water Right Valid?
  John Stuhlmiller, Washington State Farm Bureau
  In this session you will learn what documents you need to have to be able to irrigate land or water livestock, or use for household purposes on your farm, and what you have to do to keep your water right valid. A 30-minute question and answer period is included at the end for answering specific questions that may apply to your particular situation.
• Environmental Impacts of Water Withdrawal: Focus on Salmon
  Janne Kaje, King County
  There are many things to consider when using water to irrigate land or water livestock. In this session you will learn why protecting natural conditions is important, and how to use water in a way to help protect the aquatic life that depends on the same resource.
• Accessing different water sources
  Steve Hirschey and Susan Kaufman-Una, King County
  There may be other legitimate ways than owning a formal water right to get water for agricultural use. In this session you will learn if alternative methods such as leasing water rights, using reclaimed water, harvesting rainwater, and using other water sources will fit some or all your needs.
• Water rights and the future (not available as of 11/23/10)
  John Stuhlmiller, Washington State Farm Bureau
  Dave Monthie, King County
  Learn some of the issues that are being discussed that could address farmers’ access water, including Ecology’s “Water Smart Washington” report, and potential legislation in the 2011 session.

For information about the 2010 King County agricultural water rights workshop, please contact Steve Evans, King County Farmbudsman, King County Agriculture Program.