Celp.org
Title
CELP-Clean, Flowing Waters for Washington
Description
While it might be difficult to believe on a rainy day, our rivers and streams suffer from human overuse. From the arid plains of Eastern Washington to Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, many streams have been over-allocated: more water rights have been issued by the state than for which water exists. The state historically did not have good information to determine whether water was really available to provide water for all of the water rights it issued.
Reduced flows are a particular problem in dry summer months when salmon return to spawn and when agriculture, which accounts for over 90% of water use in Washington, needs it most. There is often little water left in rivers and streams for salmon, for wildlife, fishing and boating.
Our rapidly increasing population and accompanying development continue to drain our rivers and groundwater supplies, in part because we fail to require meaningful water conservation. State agencies and legislators fail to enforce water laws designed to ensure enough water remains in rivers to support healthy fish and wildlife, maintain good water quality, and provide recreational opportunities.
