Water Adjudication Guidance

WRIA 1 Water Adjudication Nooksack Basin

The Washington State Department of Ecology has filed for a Water Adjudication under RCW 90.03.140 and RCW 90.44.220 for the WRIA 1 Nooksack Basin in Whatcom County Superior Court. This web page includes links to various resources and information. Below each entity name are quick links to frequently searched functions.  Links to outside sources does not imply approval or any acceptance of the content of these sites, but rather is merely to help parties as they seek information. 

Superior Court Water Adjudication Process

A Water Adjudication is a complex legal process that takes time to resolve. The court process for the adjudication is best explained by breaking it into phases. WRIA 1 Nooksack Basin is in the initial phase of the court process described below:

Superior Court Water Adjudication Process

Process Description

  1. Department of Ecology files a petition
  2. Superior Court reviews summons
    • If Superior Court rejects summons, proceed to step 3
    • If Superior Court approves summons, proceed to step 4
  3. Department of Ecology resubmits summons
  4. Department of Ecology mails summons to all potential claimants (parties)
  5. Claimants (parties) file claim form with Superior Court Clerk within 1 year of summons

Superior Court Administration

Superior Court Clerk

Department of Ecology

Whatcom County Public Works Department