How does Spokane County limit the amount of water use?

When purchasing a mitigation certificate, the applicant must also sign a property covenant limiting the amount of water use on the parcel from the onsite well to the amount of the mitigation certificate. To comply with our agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology to offer mitigation certificates Spokane County must report the actual amount of outdoor irrigation based on a review of aerial photography. The applicant must also grant an avigation easement so that Spokane County can utilize other aerial methods to determine compliance with limitations on outdoor irrigation from onsite sources if an aerial photo is not sufficient.

Spokane County has enacted an ordinance that governs the operation of the Little Spokane Water Bank. The ordinance specifies fines for exceeding the outdoor irrigation use allowed by the mitigation certificate. Spokane County will make every attempt to work with the property owner to comply with the limitations of the mitigation certificate before issuing a fine.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Stream Flow Mitigation Certificate?
2. Is a Stream Flow Mitigation Certificate required to get a building permit in the Little Spokane River Basin (WRIA 55)?
3. Who is eligible to purchase mitigation certificates?
4. Why would I want a mitigation certificate if I'm not required to get one?
5. How do I know if my property is in the approved mitigation area?
6. What if only part of my parcel is in the Approved Mitigation Area?
7. What happens if I don’t get a building permit within three (3) years?
8. Is there a limit to the amount of water I can use?
9. What is reasonable domestic indoor and incidental outdoor water use?
10. How does Spokane County limit the amount of water use?
11. What if I have livestock?
12. What is the process for purchasing a mitigation certificate?
13. How much does a Stream Flow Mitigation Certificate cost?
14. What happens if I sell my parcel?
15. Can I move my mitigation certificate?
16. Can I contact someone directly to discuss this?
17. Return to Little Spokane River Water Bank web page