Agricultural Water
The agriculture side of the OCWB offers short and long term leases for seasonal uses. OCWB is currently limited to the Methow Basin.
The Okanogan Conservation District is a non-regulatory local entity that aims to work collaboratively with land managers in Okanogan County to care for our natural resources. In helping cooperators achieve their goals, the District assists with habitat improvement, agricultural production, wildfire resilience and conservation education efforts throughout Okanogan County.
For more information, please contact Jordana Ellis
Interested in Leasing Water Mitigation?
Click below and fill out Intake Form to see if you're eligible or to keep informed of future water availability.
Water Bank Map
This map shows the approximate mitigation eligibility area for water rights that the OCWB is in the process of conveying to their water bank. Zoom in or search your address to see if your property may be eligible for water. Mitigation eligibility is determined on a project-specific basis.
Fee Schedule (TBD)
Item Name | Cost |
|---|---|
Annual Mitigation Fee | $TBD |
Mitigation Application Processing Fee | $TBD |
The Process
Most new uses mitigated by the bank must be permitted through the state Department of Ecology.
5. Application Submission
Applicant submits water right application through Department of Ecology
2. Eligibility
OCWB will request additional information and provide a response regarding initial eligibility
6. Ecology Processing
Department of Ecology processes application
3. Application
Applicant fills out mitigation application and pays fee
7. Lease
Agreement
Applicant and OCWB sign a lease agreement
4. Preliminary Mitigation Allotment
OCWB provides applicant with a Draft Mitigation Allotment
8. Final Mitigation Allotment
OCWB provides applicant with Final Mitigation Allotment
Helpful Resources
Forms:
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Mitigation application
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Preliminary mitigation allotment template
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Final mitigation allotment template
Ecology permitting process
The process generally consists of the water right applicant submitting an Application for a New Water Right (Ecology form ECY- 040-1-14) to Ecology. The filing of the application requires describing the proposed point(s) of diversion or withdrawal, purpose of use, period of use and place of use. The application should indicate that the water use will be mitigated by OCWB and include a copy of the mitigation allotment between the applicant and OCWB (discussed above).