Position Statement: Water Rights

The Washington State Hay Growers Association supports a program of utilizing water resources within our state and favors the insurance of perpetual water permits. Water rights are a constitutionally recognized and protected property right.

We support preservation and recognition of existing water rights consistent with western water law and oppose any changes to water law or regulation that would impair existing water rights, including those changes that would expand water rights to be used in expanded amounts or expanded time frames.

In an consideration by state agencies regarding the allocation of ground and surface water, agriculture must be given first priority.

We are opposed to any attempt to remove water from the Northwest states to any other state or region, whether for agricultural industrial, domestic, or any other use.

We expect the State of Washington to protect and defend current water rights as property rights against takings by federal government agencies.

Approved by the WSHGA Membership
January 24, 2001

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Washington State Hay Growers Association
100 North Fruitland, Suite B, Kennewick, WA   99336
(509) 585-5460     FAX: (509) 585-2671
info@wa-hay.org