In 1998, the Legislature passed the Watershed Management Act (ESHB 2514) to provide a framework for local citizens, interest groups and government organizations to collaboratively identify and solve water-related issues in each Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA).

Under the law, citizens, local governments, tribes, and other members of a planning unit have considerable flexibility to determine the planning process, focus on areas or elements of particular importance to local citizens, assess water resources and needs, and recommend management strategies.

The law requires that grant money be used to address water quantity issues and provides the option of assessing water quality, fish habitat, and instream flows. The initiating governments include county, city, water supply utility, and tribal representatives. Funding is available through the Department of Ecology in three phases:

• Phase 1, Organizing. Through a designated lead agency, the initiating governments may apply for an initial organizing grant up to $50,000 per WRIA or $75,000 for a multiple WRIA watershed management area.
• Phase 2, Assessing. Once the organizational phase is completed, a planning unit may apply for up to $200,000 per WRIA or $400,000 for a multi- WRIA to fund watershed assessments.
• Phase 3, Planning. A planning unit may also apply for up to $250,000 per WRIA or $500,000 per multi-WRIA for the development of a Watershed Management Plan. Phases 2 and 3 are to be completed within 4 years of receiving Phase 2 funds.