Earlier this week, all landowners in Whatcom County should have received a postcard from the Department of Ecology (DoE) about the Nooksack area Water Adjudication. Keep it around - this is refrigerator magnet-worthy! While it might seem complex, this notice is straightforward, yet crucial for our community. Not to worry, over the past year (and more), most of the Whatcom County Realtor Association has been collaborating with the DoE, gaining valuable insights to assist well-owners through this process... so I've got you! Let's break it down.

The common misconception is that the adjudication process initiated by the DoE is about taking away water rights or monitoring usage, which is wrong. Instead, its primary goal is to establish clarity regarding water usage rights, which is both responsible and necessary.

If you're a well owner in Whatcom County, keep an eye out for certified mail from the DoE later this year. This mail will contain instructions for reporting your water usage. Understanding the importance of accurate reporting is key. This will ensure smooth property transactions in the future, and underreporting could have broader implications for countywide water rights. In other words... Don't skimp! You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the water allowance for homes in Whatcom County is often more generous than expected.

I am here to help, and the DoE will provide helpful tools to assist you in this process. While this process may seem daunting at first, with understanding and proactive engagement, we can ensure the preservation of water rights and the seamless functioning of property transactions in Whatcom County. Let's approach this opportunity with optimism, knowing that by working together, we can navigate this process smoothly and ensure the continued prosperity of Whatcom County.