Water banking pilot grants
In July 2021, the Legislature provided $14 million in funding to assist public entities and their partners to buy water for development of water banks in rural counties and to protect streamflows. In July 2023, the Legislature authorized unspent funds to be available for the 2023-25 biennium. The 2023-25 funding opportunity closed on June 30, 2025, and funding is no longer available under this pilot grant program.
Funding cycle
- Amount of funding available: Applications have been received and processed for this funding cycle.
- Grant award limit: $4 million per applicant
- Amount of matching funds required: none
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
Funding is available for the following entities:
Public entities and their partners in eligible counties.
- Adams
- Asotin
- Chelan
- Clallam
- Columbia
- Cowlitz
- Douglas
- Ferry
- Franklin
- Garfield
- Grant
- Grays Harbor
- Island
- Jefferson
- Kittitas
- Klickitat
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Mason
- Okanogan
- Pacific
- Pend Oreille
- San Juan
- Skagit
- Skamania
- Stevens
- Wahkiakum
- Walla Walla
- Whitman
- Yakima
Grant awards will fund the development of water banks in eligible counties. Funds will be used to purchase water rights ready for purchase as part of a water banking project proposal.
One-third of all water rights acquired under this pilot grant program must be set aside strictly for permanent instream use to support streamflows and aquatic resources. We’ve published guidance that outlines our process for awarding these grants.
More information about this funding program
Related links
Contact information
Vanessa Brinkhuis
Water Banking Grant Lead
Vanessa.Brinkhuis@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6505