KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Roslyn gets new water deal
Member Center:
Associated Press - October 16, 2009 8:05 PM ET
ROSLYN, Wash. (AP) - The city of Roslyn has reached an agreement aimed at ensuring a full water supply even during periods of drought.
The city on the east slope of the Cascades owns a water right that dates to 1908, but some irrigators in the Yakima Valley have more senior rights that date to 1905. That means Roslyn could have its water curtailed during drought years to ensure a full supply for others.
The city spent nine years and $600,000 to buy two older water rights, but had to reach agreement with other water users in the area on the water transfers. The water for those rights will be banked in Lake Cle Elum under a trust agreement with the state and federal governments.
Roslyn Mayor Jeri Porter says the city wants to lease the water during non-drought years to help recoup some of the money it has spent.
Information from: Daily Record, http://www.kvnews.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
