What is the doctrine of equitable estoppel?

The doctrine of equitable estoppel is a legal term recognized in the state of Washington associated with water law. Essentially, the doctrine upholds the notion that a party may not deny an earlier assertion or promise made to another. In other words, a party may not deny something it has previously said or agreed to. The doctrine of equitable estoppel is particularly important in the context of water law in Washington, as it serves as a way to protect underlying rights in water allocation. This is because the doctrine of equitable estoppel acts as a bar to a party’s subsequent denial of an earlier agreement, protecting water users from facing a breach of contract in the future. The doctrine of equitable estoppel also serves as a way to protect Washington’s unique water law doctrine of “first in time, first in right.” This is because it prevents a party from claiming a senior water right after another party has already acquired the right of prior use. In this way, equitable estoppel serves to preserve the order of water rights, allowing for the equitable allotment of water resources. In summary, the doctrine of equitable estoppel is an important legal term in the context of water law in Washington. It serves to protect parties from facing a breach of contract in the future, as well as to preserve the order of water rights in the state, allowing for the equitable allotment of the state’s water resources.

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