Pasco to hear water-rights report as part of Feb. 23 council meeting

The Pasco City Council will take up a report on water rights at its Feb. 23 meeting, Moderator said. The segment previewed that, to pump from rivers or wells, the city must hold adequate water rights and that state rules limit how much can be pumped annually and, at times, where that water may be put to use.

Why it matters: Water rights determine whether and how the city can expand supplies for residences, businesses and irrigation. Securing adequate rights is a prerequisite for pumping from surface or groundwater sources.

Details in the preview: The Moderator summarized that state law imposes annual pumping limits and sometimes places geographic constraints on use; he said the city is “constantly working to make sure that the city has enough water rights to keep faucets and sprinklers flowing.” The preview did not provide case numbers, statute citations or specific quantities.

What’s next: The report will be presented at the Feb. 23 meeting; the preview did not announce any immediate council action or proposed changes to water-rights holdings.