What is water availability and allocation?

Water availability and allocation are two legal terms that are used together to describe the laws in Washington governing the use of water. Water availability refers to the total amount of water stored in a watershed, lake, river, or reservoir. Water allocation is how the available water is divided among users such as agriculture, industry, communities, and even wildlife. Each state decides which water sources are available and how the water will be used. In Washington, water availability is determined by many sources including rivers and streams, reservoirs, groundwater, irrigation canals, and even rainwater. Each source has different rules and regulations regarding how it can be used. Water allocation is determined by several considerations, such as the needs of the environment and local communities, the rights of senior water users, and the economic value of the water. Water availability and allocation are important pieces of Washington law, as they determine how much water can be used for different purposes and who can use it. Without water availability and allocation laws, it would be difficult to ensure that water resources are still available for future generations. Additionally, these laws are necessary to ensure that all water users are treated equitably and fairly, regardless of their size or wealth.

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What is water availability and allocation?

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