Water conservancy boards

How are boards created?

Boards are created by a resolution of the county or counties where they will serve. We approve the county’s petition to create a board based on need and considerations of the public interest. Once created, a board is a separate unit of local government.

Who serves on a water conservancy board?

Board commissioners and alternates are unpaid volunteers living either in the same or an adjacent county. They are appointed by the county for six-year terms.

Each water conservancy board is set up with three or five board commissioners. A board can also have up to two alternates who may substitute for a commissioner unable to take part.

Water conservancy board meetings are open to the public, and a quorum must be present — two eligible members for a three-person board or three eligible members for a five-person board.

Board commissioner training

Before a board commissioner or alternate is eligible to take part in board actions, they must complete 32 hours of training that we provide. Each must also complete eight hours of continuing education every following year to maintain his or her eligibility.

• Read information for board members

Water conservancy board actions

Water conservancy boards can process changes to the following elements of all or part of an existing water right:

• Place of use
• Point of diversion or withdrawal
• Adding points of diversion or withdrawal
• Purpose of use

Boards may also change some elements of a groundwater permit that has not been perfected (fully used):

• Well location (point of withdrawal)
• Manner or place of use

Counties with boards

Links to board websites are provided, where available.

• Benton
• Chelan
• Douglas
• Franklin
• Grant
• Kittitas
• Klickitat
• Lewis
• Lincoln
• Okanogan
• Spokane
• Stevens
• Walla Walla
• Whitman
• Yakima

Related laws & regulations

Water conservancy boards are governed by:

• Chapter 173-153 WAC
• Chapter 90.80 RCW