Yakima County Advances Water Bank Pilot
State grant supports a new framework for future water availability.
Yakima County is moving forward with plans to establish a water bank after receiving a $1,158,500 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The funding will support water-right due diligence, an agreement with Ecology, county ordinances, public-facing processes and the acquisition of an initial 75 acre-feet of adjudicated water rights. One-third of those initial rights will be permanently dedicated to instream flows for fish, wildlife and aquatic resources. The remaining two-thirds will be available to mitigate other water uses in Yakima County.
For builders, businesses, property owners and local governments, the pilot could provide greater predictability when planning future housing, development and economic growth in areas where existing water rights are fully allocated. County officials also expect the water bank to help address state Growth Management Act and water-code requirements while keeping water rights within the basin.
The Yakima County commissioners unanimously authorized the grant agreement on August 25, 2026.
Related Links: Yakima Herald-Republic article
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Media Contact : Olivia Palmer, opalmer@yakimaherald.com
Related Links : https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/government/yakima-county-to-receive-more-than-1m-grant-from-ecology-for-water-bank-pilot/article_12584411-84c5
Source : “Yakima County to receive more than $1M grant from Ecology for water bank pilot,” Olivia Palmer, Yakima Herald-Republic, August 27, 2026.
Regional Focus : South Central (Yakima & Klickitat Counties)