HB 1757 - DIGEST

Declares that relinquishment under chapter 90.14 RCW may not occur except in accordance with the procedure set forth in this act or in a proceeding to determine water rights under RCW 90.03.105 through 90.03.245 or 90.44.220.

Provides that, for the purposes of this chapter, there is no relinquishment of any water right or any portion of a water right for full or partial nonuse of such a right that occurred more than fifteen years before the date upon which relinquishment proceedings are commenced under this act or the date upon which adjudication proceedings are commenced under RCW 90.03.105 through 90.03.245 or 90.44.220.

Provides that, for the purpose of determining relinquishment, the following must be used to determine the amount of water that has been beneficially used under a water right on an annual basis: The amount beneficially used is the amount of water used within the limits of the right during the year in which the greatest volume of water was used under the right during the most current fifteen-year period.