About Water Banking
Water banking is a proven tool provided by the state legislature which can be used to keep water rights in a headwater basin rather than being transferred out-of-basin, and keep water rights from being relinquished due to non-use.
Water banks can also provide mitigation for new uses when water rights are otherwise spoken for like in most places within Okanogan County.
Okanogan Conservation District received one of the first grants through Ecology’s Water Banking Grant Pilot program for initial acquisition and establishment of the District side of the bank.
Water rights acquired into the OCWB will be held by Ecology in the State Trust Water Rights Program (TWRP) and managed in accordance with the water banking agreement (WBA) between OCWB and Ecology.
The OCWB has hosted local outreach events to gather input from the community. A summary of the discussions from the most recent event can be found here: Community Discussion on Okanogan County Water Bank
How We Help
We're here to be your partner in protecting your water right and securing water for your project
The OCWB can provide a variety of support to local landowners and water right holders:
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Assistance with temporary trust donations of water rights
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Long-and short-term water rights planning
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Identification of mitigation for new water uses
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Acquisition or marketing of water rights
Your Partner in Protecting and Securing water.
Sell to the Bank
The Typical Path to Selling Water
2. Eligibility & Funding
OCWB requests additional information if needed to determine initial eligibility and identify funding source
3. Letter of Intent
OCWB provides a letter of intent to seller to purchase the water right
4. Agreement
OCWB and seller negotiate and enter into a purchase and sale agreement contingent on the Department of Ecology Permitting
5. Transfer
OCWB and seller work together to transfer the water right into the state Trust Water Rights Program through the Department of Ecology permitting process
Resources
OCWB Documents
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Okanogan County Water Bank Business Rules and Guidance (TBD)
Key Regulations
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Chapter 173-548 WAC – Water resources program in the Methow River basin, WRIA 48
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Chapter 173-549 WAC – Water resources program in the Okanogan River Basin, WRIA 49
Watershed Plans
Ecology Documents
General Water Rights
