New water rights
Before applying for a water right, we recommend a pre-application consultation with our regional staff. We can advise you on water supply options. Visit our water rights page for more general information on this topic. This also includes a link to the form for a Reservoir Permit Application: Underground Artificial Storage and Recovery.
Changes to existing water rights
Changing or transferring an existing water right can involve changing the period of use, the place of use, the point of diversion or withdrawal, or the purpose or manner of use. Changing ownership of a water right, application, or permit, or drilling a replacement well, may not require a full water right change process.
If you are seeking a change to an existing water right, we recommend a pre-application consultation with our regional staff. Changes to water rights can be very complicated. Our staff will be able to advise you on potential impacts from recent court decisions that may affect your ability to change certain attributes of your water right. They will also be able to tell you which records you'll need to include with your application for change, and whether using a water conservancy board may be an option for you.
For more information see our Changes to existing water rights page that includes: seasonal changes, adding a replacement well and transferring ownership of a water right application or permit.
Contact information
Central Region
Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan and Yakima
Help desk: 509-575-2597
Eastern Region
Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla and Whitman
Help desk: 509-329-3400
Northwest Region
Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom
Help desk: 206-594-0193
Southwest Region
Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston and Wahkiakum
Help desk: 360-407-6859