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Winter Water: A hot topic for cold fish.
Winter Water: A hot topic for cold fish.
June 18, 2009
Jason McCormick
Project Manager
Washington Water Trust works to improve and protect stream flows and water quality throughout Washington. We develop innovative, market based transactions and cooperative partnerships to increase stream flows that benefit agriculture, fisheries, wildlife and recreation.
Notes:
Winter Water: A hot topic for cold fish
JASON MCCORMICK; Washington Water Trust
In the past five years Washington Water Trust has conducted two permanent purchases of water rights in the winter for the express purpose of enhancing steam flow in Yakima Basin tributaries. Winter stream flow is legally diverted in Washington State for the purpose of providing drinking water for livestock, known as “stockwater.” Stockwater is typically diverted from streams during a period of November 1 to April 30 in the Yakima Basin. Anadromous fisheries compete with stockwater for winter stream flows in tributaries to the Yakima River. Enhancing winter stream flows provide for increased habitat and potentially increased water temperatures.