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"The water flowing through our streams and rivers
has many uses – and many demands on it. But how much water do we need for a
particular use? And if we take that water, what happens to the stream
itself and the life in it?”
John Bartholow, U.S. Geological Survey
Historically, Washington residents have enjoyed an abundance of clean, accessible water in a water-rich state. However, residents find they can no longer take water availability for granted. Washington increasingly lacks water when and where it is needed for communities and the environment. Many factors affect water availability. Global warming is resulting in reduced snowpack and higher temperatures. Rapid population growth means more water is being used. Ongoing development increases the land covered with buildings and pavement. This causes less water to be absorbed through the ground to feed wells and summer stream flows.
Sufficient water in streams is necessary to sustain both the natural
environment and our community water supplies. Washington state is known for
its natural beauty and quality of life, both of which are affected by
limited water. Fish and wildlife depend on adequate water, as do many
recreational activities. Flows affect water levels in wetlands, lakes
and ponds, and are an important aspect of water quality. “Out-of-stream” water uses, including farming, irrigation, domestic water supplies,
and hydroelectric power can also be affected by low stream flows.
One way to protect stream flows is to adopt a rule. A rule adopted in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is a legal instrument used by the Department of Ecology to implement existing state laws, including those requiring the agency to protect stream flows. Stream flows protected in a rule are generally described as “instream flows.” These rules specify the amount of water needed in a particular place for a defined time, and typically follow seasonal variations.
While instream flows are determined through scientific studies, factors such as legal and economic concerns also affect the levels at which flows are set. Determining instream flow levels requires considering both “instream values” (how water is used within the stream) and “out-of-stream” needs.
It is important to remember that just adopting an instream flow does not ensure that the specified amount will actually be there. Instream flows do not affect existing water rights; they are, in essence, a water right for fish that protects fish and instream values from future withdrawals. Strategies for addressing how to achieve instream flows are part of water management for a given area.
It is important to maintain and effectively manage our water resources and habitats for both the natural environment and human uses:
Some streams and rivers have had so much water withdrawn that existing flows cannot support healthy fish and wildlife populations. Salmon and other fish are markers for the vitality of river ecosystems, and require adequate stream flows at key life stages as an important part of their habitat. Salmon and related fisheries also are important to our state’s economic base and cultural identity, and they hold particular significance to local Native American tribes.
When making decisions about how to distribute water, it is necessary to know how much is needed and how much is available. Whether and under what conditions new water uses can occur depend on if there is sufficient water to meet the instream flow levels. As a result, instream flow rules help water managers plan for future water needs.
While the authority to adopt instream flows by rule rests with Ecology, local planning groups are evaluating water quantity and other water issues, and many may recommend instream flows. These groups are developing plans to protect and restore stream flows, while also making water available for use by people.
Watershed planning groups are active in most areas of the state. (A watershed is an area that drains to a common waterway.) These groups include local governments, many affected tribes, public water representatives, citizen groups, businesses, and individuals interested in local water issues.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
