Water right permits

Water is an increasingly limited resource in Washington. If you are looking for a water supply for a project or want to make a change to an existing water right, you may have options.

Note: We revised our water right application forms at the beginning of 2020. We only accept the new forms.

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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.

Forms:

Related information:

New water right process flowchart
Water availability in your watershed
See if a water bank exists for your area
Focus on Prioritizing Applications: Alternatives for water right application processing
Focus on Cost-reimbursement
Frequently asked questions about extensions for water right permits and changes

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: 425-649-7020

Southwest Region

Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston and Wahkiakum

Help desk: 360-407-6859

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