Water Adjudication- WRIA 1 Nooksack Basin

The Washington State Department of Ecology has filed a Water Adjudication under RCW 90.03.140 and RCW 90.44.220 for the WRIA 1 Nooksack Basin in Whatcom County Superior Court. With the large size and number of parties of this case, the Court will be guided by concerns of judicial economy, efficiency, and resolution of this adjudication in as short a time as the complexities of this case and its scope allow and hope to make the process as seamless as possible for both legal and non-lawyer participants.

What is a water rights adjudication?

A water rights adjudication is a legal process that is initiated by the Department of Ecology. Superior Court is responsible for resolving/deciding the case. Water adjudications are complex, civil legal proceedings that take time to resolve. The adjudication is the process to prioritize water rights resulting in a final legal ruling of rights to use water in the area (in this case WRIA 1 Nooksack Basin). 

What is the court doing to prepare?

Whatcom County Superior Court has been working with The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to prepare for the enormity and complexity of the case. The legislature recently approved a 5th Superior Court Judge (HB1992) to support the adjudication, as well as to address backlogged cases. Funding for eFiling, additional facilities and water adjudication staff has been requested by AOC on behalf of the court. The legislature has approved these requests. Whatcom County Superior Court has asked AOC to assist with gathering feedback related to procedural and administrative processes of the water adjudication. Additionally, the court is collaborating with other county departments to ensure there is clear information available to the public regarding what questions and support can be accessed in which department. It is anticipated this will continue to be developed as the case progresses. 

Please see our Press Release from 4/26/24 regarding the assignment of a judge on an interim basis to oversee the general water rights adjudication.

 

Where can I find additional information?

Other Resources

What type of information will I find here?

Whatcom County Superior Court
-Local Court Rules
-Water Adjudication Hearing Live Stream
Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk

-Electronic Filing
-Case Docket
-Case Documents
-Water Adjudication forms- coming soon
-Information about confirming hearings- coming soon
Whatcom County Public Works

-Informational meetings (upcoming and previously recorded)
-Survey for WRIA 1 Water Users
-Water use estimator anticipated in July 2024
Department of Ecology
-Sign up for newsletter with updates on WRIA 1 adjudication
-Watershed look up tool
-Frequently asked questions regarding water adjudication
-Resources
The Administrative Office of the Courts

-General information on water rights adjudication
-Advisory Committee notes
-Statewide forum information