๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐! ๐๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ!!
๐ This past Monday marked the start of a major legal process that could drastically affect your property rights! The first wave of Adjudication Claim Forms and Summonses has begun mailing to over 30,000 property owners in Whatcom County as part of the WRIA 1 (Nooksack) water rights adjudication. Don't ignore this—your property's future could depend on it!
1. Who's at Risk?
- Anyone using water from wells—permit-exempt or not, shared wells, small water associations, water districts. If you have a well, you're likely on the list!
- Those on municipal water systems may be exempt, but it's crucial to confirm your status.
2. What You Received
- A hefty packet in a 9"X12" envelope, stuffed with over 30 pages including your Summons and Claim Form, plus critical filing instructions.
3. Delivery is Just the Start
- Sent by certified mail, requiring your signatureโ๏ธ Miss this and you could miss your chance to defend your rights.
- No signature? The packet goes back to the post office, then potentially to the Department of Ecology if unclaimed, putting your rights at further risk.
- Post Office Holding: The postal service will hold the packet for approximately three weeks. After this period, unclaimed packets will be returned to the Washington Department of Ecology's Bellingham Field Office.
- Packet Retrieval: If unclaimed from the post office, you must then retrieve your packet from the Ecology Field Office at 913 Squalicum Way, #101, Bellingham, WA 98225.
- Final Notice: Ecology will eventually publish a list of defendants who have not claimed their packets in a local "paper of record." This is the last effort to notify included parties. After this publication, it becomes the client's sole responsibility to claim their packet and file on time, or risk losing their water rights.
4. Deadlines are Looming
- ABSOLUTE DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026. File your claim form electronically with the Superior Court by then or risk losing your water rights.
- This isn't just paperwork—it's about securing evidence of your water usage, a process you have three years to complete but should start NOW.
5. Get Informed: Public Presentation
- When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Noon
- Where: Whatcom Home & Lifestyle Show, Lynden Fairgrounds
- Bob Carmichael and I will break down the legalities, filing processes, and evidence gathering. This is free and vital—do not miss it!
Resources at Your Fingertips:
- Adjudication details: Link
- Ecology's WRIA 1 Adjudication Page: Link
- Homeowner guide: Link
- Web map tool for property documents: Link
- More resources: Link
Expert Help Available!
List of consultants ready to assist with water usage documentation:
- Aspect Consulting, LLC - Bellingham, WA - 360-746-8964
- Landau Associates, Inc. - Seattle, WA - 206.631.8680
- GeoEngineers, Inc. - Bellingham, WA - 360-647-1510
- Mott McDonald, LLC - Seattle, WA - 206-838-2886
- GSI Water Solutions, Inc. - Portland, OR - 503-239-8799
- RH2 Engineering - Bellingham, WA - 360-676-0836
- Robinson-Noble, Inc. - Woodinville, WA - 425-488-0599
- Water & Natural Resource Group, Inc. - Spokane, WA - 509-468-9395
๏ปฟ
This is a defining moment for every water-using property owner in Whatcom County. Don’t stand by as your rights evaporate. Act now to protect your property and secure your future!
For guidance and more information, contact me directly. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help!
Andi Dyer
Andi Dyer Real Estate
(360) 734-6479
andidyer.com
