The bill amends RCW 90.14.043 to facilitate the filing of adjudication claims for precode uses of groundwater and surface water in the water resource inventory area 1 (WRIA 1) adjudication, which affects Whatcom and Skagit counties. It builds on lessons learned from the Yakima basin water rights adjudication, ensuring that water users can participate in the adjudication process similarly. The new section allows for claims to be filed without being subject to certain time restrictions, specifically for adjudications filed in WRIA 1 after June 1, 2023.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that filing an adjudication claim form as per RCW 90.03.140 will satisfy the filing requirements of RCW 90.14.041. It also establishes that such claims will not affect existing water rights prior to July 27, 1997, and outlines the subordination of these claims to previously established water rights. The amendments aim to streamline the adjudication process and ensure that historical water uses are recognized and protected.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 90.14.043
Substitute Bill: 90.14.043
Bill as Passed Legislature: 90.14.043
Session Law: 90.14.043