Skagit Public Utility District is developing a formal policy for its Water Rights Lease Program. Under the program, the PUD temporarily transfers a portion of its authorized water diversion to other local users during a defined seasonal period. The PUD made transfers in response to declared drought emergencies between 2015 and 2023, and has operated a non-drought pilot since 2024. Current participants include two local drainage and irrigation districts, a farm, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The content of that policy is open. We want to understand what you see as the potential benefits and concerns of the program, and what factors the PUD should consider in designing it.
An invitation-only Stakeholder Forum is being held on September 2 from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss questions related to the development of the new Water Rights Lease Program policy. People not invited to the stakeholder forum can watch the meeting live via Zoom on Skagit PUD’s website. The meeting will also be recorded for later viewing.
Join the forum via Zoom: https://skagitpud.zoom.us/j/84346563090?pwd=X05qZRLSxvybaCYZGoCvlDRtTd0aMs.1
