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Title

Focus On: Water Right Relinquishment

 
Publication number Date Published Date Revised
98-1812-WRJuly 1998November 2023
VIEW NOW Focus On: Water Right Relinquishment (Number of pages: 3) (Publication Size: 465KB)


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Note: Spanish Translation

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Author(s) Water Resources Program
Description Washington’s water law includes a principle that a water right is perfected, defined, and maintained through beneficial use. The expression "use it or lose it" is sometimes applied to describe this western water law principle. Put simply, a water right may be wholly or partially lost through extended periods of non-use. The return of unused water to the state is called relinquishment. The purpose of relinquishment is to ensure that Washington's limited water sources are put to maximum beneficial use for all of Washington's citizens.
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Keywords land owner, relinquishment, right, Water Rights, law, Focus sheet, water, water right, land development
WEB PAGE Water supply