What is the law of navigable waters?

The law of navigable waters in Washington state generally describes how public access to waterways is governed. It establishes the parameters of public use of the state’s navigable waterways. The law also allows public navigation of non-navigable waters when they are connected to navigable waterways. The Washington Supreme Court has defined navigable waters as those that are capable of transporting people and goods in ordinary circumstances, with the ability to serve a useful public purpose. This means that any waterways that are generally accepted as navigable by the public are considered public property and subject to Washington’s water laws. Non-navigable waters, such as small lake, streams, and ponds, may also become public property and subject to the state’s water law if they are connected to a navigable waterway. The Washington Department of Ecology is responsible for overseeing the state’s water law, which includes monitoring the state’s navigable waterways and enforcing compliance. The Department is also responsible for formulating regulations and standards that help ensure the public’s safe access and use of navigable waterways. Water law in Washington is meant to ensure that everyone has access to state’s waterways, while also protecting the environment from any potential harm from overuse or misuse. With this in mind, all public use activities, such as camping, fishing, and boating, must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law.

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What is the law of navigable waters?

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