Workshops for Water Users

On March 17, the Department of Ecology mailed adjudication summons to over 30,000 landowners in Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA) 1, which includes Whatcom County and the northern part of Skagit County. The adjudication is a legal process that affects anyone who uses water directly from surface or groundwater. Those who want to keep their legal right to use water and protect property values need to fill out a court claim form and submit it to the Whatcom County Superior Court by May 1, 2026.

To support landowners who use wells and the groundwater permit exemption, WA Dept of Ecology is offering three free in-person workshops. Each session will provide step-by-step guidance and walk participants through Part B or C of the court claim form.

Workshop flyer: 2511023-FreeCourtclaimWorkshops.pdf

Workshop schedule
All sessions run from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.   Participants are welcome to attend one or more sessions, depending on their needs.

• October 28 – Homes on wells (Part B), Ferndale
• October 29 – Stockwater, group, commercial, and industrial uses (Part C), Everson
• October 30 – Small farms (Part C), Deming

Registration is required and closes on October 22.   Limited seats available.

Anyone interested in attending a workshop will need to speak with Ecology staff to get details:

• Online:  Start the registration process and set up a time to speak with Ecology staff.
• By phone: Call (360) 255-4406 and leave a message with your name and a good time to reach you.  We’ll call you back as soon as possible. 
• By email:  Send a message to WRadjudications@ecy.wa.gov with your name, phone number, and preferred time to be contacted.  We’ll follow up with you directly. 

Visit our WRIA 1 (Nooksack area) adjudication website

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter about the WRIA 1 adjudication

Register for Workshops for Water Users – October 28, 29, 30