Skagit River basin

Instream flows are like water rights for the river. Under Washington water law, new uses of water (in this case, those started after the effective date of the rule) can't impact existing water rights, no matter how small that impact may be. This includes any impact to streamflows whenever they drop below the protected instream flow levels. Therefore, there are limits on new water uses of any size in the Skagit River basin, including groundwater permit-exempt wells (RCW 90.44.050).

Is your property affected?

The instream flow rule limits future new water uses in certain locations. If you are in an affected area visit the Skagit basin water supply page for more information.

It does not affect water rights (including groundwater permit-exempt uses) established before April 14, 2001. You can look up your location on a map to find if the rule applies to your property:

• Skagit River instream flow area map (PDF)
• Skagit County's interactive map:

To look up your location on Skagit County’s interactive map:

1. Open the map
2. Click on “Planning and Development” on the left
3. Click on “Skagit Instream Flow rule Area”
4. Go to “Search” in the lower left and enter your information (parcel number, owner name, address, etc.). (If using your name, put your last name first).