Washington State Water Use and Drought Authority

Under RCW 43.83B and RCW 90.03, the Washington Department of Ecology regulates water rights and water use across the state. The Governor may declare a drought emergency under RCW 43.83B.405 when water supply is below 75 percent of normal, authorizing emergency water management orders. Cities and water purveyors may adopt local conservation rules, but state-issued curtailment, well metering, and water right enforcement supersede inconsistent local rules. Permit-exempt domestic wells are governed statewide under RCW 90.44.050.

Unauthorized water use or violating Ecology orders can incur civil penalties up to $5,000 per day under RCW 90.03.600.