Water law in Washington State is based on the concept of scarcity. Simply put, there isn't enough water to go around. As usage rises there is less and less water available for competing uses. This fact is continuously reflected in court decisions, state legislation and local governmental action.

The Whipple Law Group represents individual clients and consortiums endeavoring to preserve their rights and insure adequate water is available now and in the future.

Here are links to news stories and information sources involving water rights:

• Understanding the Whatcom County vs. Hirst, Futurewise, et al. decision

Washington Department of Ecology; updated January 19, 2017

• Spokane County adopts emergency ordinance to address controversial Hirst water rights decision

Spokesman Review: by Chad Sokol; November 02, 2016

• • Washington State Lawmakers To Take Aim At High Court's Well Water Ruling

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Lens news in focus: by Mike Richards; November 08, 2016

• • • The Washington Supreme Court “Hirst Decision”

Washington Department of Ecology; retrieved October 30, 2016

• • • Water-rights ruling sparks building-permit rush in Spokane County

The Spokesman-Review: by Mike Prager; October 28, 2016

• • • One for the history books: Missoula will buy its water system

Missoula Current: By Sherry Devlin/Missoula Current; February 17, 2017

Visit our Water Rights Page for more information on how we can help.