The Walla Walla Watershed is a bi-state, over-appropriated basin with very limited water resources and a critical need to improve flows for Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed fish species.

In 2009, the Washington State Legislature, with the support of the Department of Ecology, unanimously approved a ten-year pilot local water management program for the Walla Walla watershed. The innovative voluntary program created under RCW 90.92 operates under the belief that the key to augmenting stream flows for fish is for water users to employ greater local control and flexibility beyond what conventional water management options and regulation can deliver.

Authorities under the pilot local water management legislation provide for "Flow from Flexibility" local water plans, individualized reach-scale water management plans voluntarily developed with flexible water use provisions and specialized projects to augment flows. The water banking program creates a simple process for water users to temporarily "bank" water rights for instream flow purposes while protecting them from relinquishment. Additionally, the water banking program can provide mitigation options and purchase or lease water rights. Information on participating in these programs is available on the Partnership's Website.

Partnership's Vision:
"The Partnership envisions the Walla Walla river basin as a place where water is managed locally as a means to achieve and sustain a healthy river system where human and natural communities can thrive and flourish."