Water relinquishment bill passed by Senate

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 28, unanimously adopted a measure sponsored by Rep. Judy Warnick to amend the current “use it or lose it” law for those waiting in line for an answer on a water rights change.

Warnick was pleased with the bipartisan support, as well as the support from tribes and the Department of Ecology.

“This is common-sense legislation to encourage water conservation and I’m pleased the Senate passed the bill,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake.

The House adopted the measure last year, but it stalled in the Senate. After the House passed the bill again in January this year, the Senate held a public hearing, and various groups expressed support.

“We must continue work to encourage conservation in our water laws, not motivate water rights holders to use all of their water unless they want to lose their entire water right,” Warnick said. “Landowners shouldn’t be penalized for simply waiting in line for an answer on a water rights change. I look forward to updating other parts of water law which are unfair to landowners.”