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Low snow, low flows

In January, we welcomed the return of snow to the mountains. Since those storms, however, snow has not accumulated as we had hoped. While there is still time for the snowpack to build up, our team is preparing for what could be a dangerously dry summer.

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What We Do

Our mission is to protect and restore healthy rivers and streams across Washington so that fish, farms and communities can thrive for generations. We craft smart, collaborative solutions to our freshwater challenges that will withstand the test of time in our rapidly changing world.

Our Focus Areas

We focus our work in the following four areas:

  • Helping Rivers Flow
  • Reconnecting Water in the Landscape
  • Planning for Future Water Use
  • Developing Alternative Water Sources

Our Approach

Collaborative
We engage all water users for collective buy in

Creative
Our team crafts smart, evidence-based solutions

Transformative
We create lasting change for a rapidly changing world

Washington's Freshwater

Is There Enough?

Commonly thought of as a water-rich state, Washington's freshwater resources are at risk from past mismanagement, climate change, and increasing demand. The good news is we are doing something about it.

Our Impact

Since 1998, we have worked across the state from the San Juan Islands to the Palouse restoring water to thousands of river miles in more than 50 rivers and streams.

See Our Impact

Teanaway: A Stream Flows Again

The Teanaway River, a critical tributary in the Yakima basin for salmon, steelhead and trout, struggled for many years, often running dry. Watch our short film Teanaway: A Stream Flows Again to see how people are coming together to help the river make a comeback.

Support Our Work

You can help Washington's beautiful rivers flow full and cool tomorrow and into the future.

News + Events

Low snow, low flows

In January, we welcomed the return of snow to the mountains. Since those storms, however, snow has not accumulated as we had hoped. While there is still time for the snowpack to build up, our team is preparing for what could be a dangerously dry summer.

Meet WWT’s newest staff members!

It takes a stellar team to restore and protect rivers and streams in Washington. Our people are how Washington Water Trust has made such an incredible impact for more than 25 years. We've welcomed three new staff members to WWT in the last year. Meet them in this blog post!

WWT Now Hiring: Project Manager!

We are seeking a collaborative Project Manager who is enthusiastic about working in rural communities. This team member will partner with landowners, tribes, conservation districts, land trusts, and govt. agencies to implement projects with lasting benefits to fish, streams, and communities. Learn more about the role and apply today!

Exploring recycled water in the Sammamish Valley

Climate change is putting our snowpack at risk. We need to restore and protect as much water instream as we can now. A key piece to ensuring healthy flows and climate resilience is using more sustainable water sources like recycled water. Learn how WWT is testing recycled water for farm irrigation in the Sammamish Valley.

2023 WWT Impact Highlights

From enhancing flows for fish during drought to protecting water instream forever and advancing new conservation methods, 2023 was a big year in our work to restore and protect rivers and streams across Washington. Check out some of our conservation impact highlights in this post!

Double your impact for healthy rivers this holiday season

At Washington Water Trust, we're laser-focused on what makes a stream a stream: the water! For 25 years, our supporters have helped us restore flows when and where needed most. With the growing demands on our freshwater and climate change, however, we need your help to do more. Give back to the rivers and streams you love by making a tax-deductible gift to WWT. All donations will be matched up to $15,000 through Dec. 31!

WWT hosts Fly Fishing Film Tour in Walla Walla and Ellensburg

Washington Water Trust will host benefit screenings of the 17th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) at the historic Gesa Power House Theatre in Walla Walla on Thurs, Nov. 9 and at Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg on Thurs, Nov. 16! Proceeds benefit our work for healthy rivers and streams across the state. Learn more and buy tickets today!

The Fly Fishing Film Tour hosted by Washington Water Trust and Iron Horse Brewery on Nov. 16

Washington Water Trust (WWT) is thrilled to partner with Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg for a Pint Night showing of the 17th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on Thurs, Nov. 16. Proceeds from the event will benefit WWT's work restoring rivers and streams across the state. $1 from each pint sold of Iron Horse Brewery beer will be donated to WWT.

Nov 16

The Fly Fishing Film Tour hosted by Washington Water Trust at Gesa Power House Theatre

Washington Water Trust (WWT) is thrilled to host a showing of the 17th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) in Walla Walla at the historic Gesa Power House Theatre on Thurs, Nov. 9. Proceeds from the event will benefit WWT's work restoring rivers and streams in the Walla Walla region and across the state.

Nov 9

Amazon Web Services supports drought relief for the Dungeness River

Washington Water Trust announced that Amazon Web Services, the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, and other community partners supported a drought relief program in Clallam County on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula that enhanced stream flows to help ensure healthy salmon runs in the Dungeness River. The Dungeness River is one of the most productive and critical salmon-bearing rivers in the Puget Sound region.

2023 Washington Drought Response: Through the Looking Glass

2023 began with promise for Washington’s rivers and streams. Reservoirs were full, soils were refilling with slowly melting snow, and Washington skiers were enjoying the slopes later in the season than usual. However, three months later, Washington was facing the reality of yet another extreme drought. What happened? And how would water resource professionals respond?

Local relationship building pays off

We have good news to report from eastern Washington! We recently closed a major water right acquisition in the Walla Walla River Basin and streamflow monitoring is showing that our long-term efforts to keep the Teanaway River flowing in the face of climate change and drought are succeeding.

Dry Farming and Water Sustainability in the Walla Walla River Basin: Sharing the Research of Stanford Sustainable Waters Intern Tida Rau

Today, I am eager to tell you about Tida Rau, our Sustainable Waters Intern from The Bill Lane Center for the American West at Stanford University, who was nothing short of phenomenal in her role. A member of the Yakama and Lummi nations, Tida possesses a rare fusion of academic prowess and deep cultural understanding. Remarkable individuals like Tida are who will guide us on the path to a sustainable water future.

Explore the 2022 WWT Annual Report today

Washington Water Trust was founded in 1998 to forge a new path for restoring water to local rivers and streams. More than 25 years and hundreds of water transactions later, our collaborative approach continues delivering incredible results! Explore our 2022 Annual Report and get current on Washington Water Trust.

A Win for the Walla Walla Watershed

In case you missed it, Governor Inslee signed into law legislation that supports the Walla Walla Water 2050 plan in May. It is a significant milestone in efforts to improve stream flows and sustainably manage water supplies in the Walla Walla River Basin.

Helping salmon during the drought emergency

In case you missed it amid all the headlines of wildfires, heat domes, and reservoirs drying up around the world, here in Washington our Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency in 12 counties on Monday. The rest of the state is under a drought advisory. This drought will be hard on Washington’s fish and we’re working to reduce its impact.

AWRA Washington Section Annual State Conference 2023

The AWRA-WA Section conference on Thurs, Sept. 28 will highlight water challenges throughout the four corners of Washington State and the innovative ways that individuals are dealing with those issues. The conference will feature speakers from each of the four corners of Washington with varying perspectives, including agriculture, government, and tribal nations.

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Dungeness Reservoir Open House Set for December 6, 2022

A public open house has been set for 6-8 pm, Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the Dungeness River Nature Center: 1943 W Hendrickson Rd. Sequim, WA 98382. Community members can learn more about the proposed reservoir at the meeting that will feature a presentation by Clallam County and design engineers Anchor QEA.

Join us for the 9th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Join us online on Thursday, December 8th at 6:30 pm (PST) for our 9th annual hosting of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on tour! What better way to help restore Washington's rivers and streams than by embracing cozy season and snuggling up on the couch with some popcorn and frosty beverages for a fun and inspiring evening of nature, adventure and conservation film

See What You Made Possible in our 2021 Annual Report

“We are encouraged by all of you – our friends, supporters and partners – that see the writing on the wall; that recognize the urgent need to put water back instream so that our rivers, streams, fish, and communities here in Washington can be more resilient; so that we can have water flowing abundantly in our landscapes, bringing us joy and feeding our spirits.” - James Kraft, Executive Director

Teanaway: A Stream Flows Again

The Teanaway River, a critical tributary in the Yakima basin for salmon, steelhead and trout, struggled for many years, often running dry. Watch our new short film Teanaway: A Stream Flows Again to see how people are coming together to help the river make a comeback.

Washington’s Freshwater Under Stress from Drought

On July 14th the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency for the entire state with the exception of Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett. Despite substantial snowpack accumulation over the winter and promising water supply forecasts, the second driest spring in Washington since 1895 combined with high temperatures this summer has led to acute snow melt and critical conditions for Washington’s freshwater.

Video: Can Recycled Water Help Save Salmon in the Sammamish?

In case you missed it the first time around, learn how Washington Water Trust and partners are exploring recycled water as a food crop irrigation source in the Sammamish Valley and how it could benefit salmon in the Sammamish and beyond.

Get to Know WWT’s Newest Team Members

Over the past year, we are thrilled to have added three new fantastic staff members: Sarah Dymecki, Nicole Gutierrez and Aiman Shahpurwala who have each kindly taken a moment to share their interests, experiences and roles at WWT. Get to know these amazing WWT team members!

Understanding and Monitoring Drought in Washington

The Washington State Department of Ecology monitors developing drought conditions each year. They use information such as snow pack accumulation, precipitation, temperature, and historic and current weather patterns to assess drought conditions statewide. However, it's not just the state that monitors drought conditions, the public can play an important role as well.

Join us for a free online event to learn how recycled water can play a role in saving salmon in the Sammamish and beyond

Did you know recycled water is used in other states as a sustainable irrigation source for edible food crops but it is not yet widely being used for the same purpose here in Washington? Join us for a free online event on April 7th to learn how we are exploring recycled water as a food crop irrigation source in the Sammamish Valley and how it could lead to helping salmon in the Sammamish and beyond.

WWT raises $17,000 through Wild & Scenic Film Festival thanks to fantastic support from donors!

THANK YOU to everyone who tuned into our 7th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on November 10, 2020. The online event turned out to be a great success with 140 households tuning in from around the country and helping us raise $17,000 to restore cool, clean freshwater to Washington's rivers in streams!

Welcome Our New Executive Director James Kraft

Washington Water Trust is pleased to announce James Kraft as its new Executive Director to lead the organization in its efforts to secure abundant, clean freshwater for Washington’s people, communities and environment for generations to come.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival for Kids & Teens

It’s never too early to develop a love for nature and adventure! That’s why Washington Water Trust is offering three FREE carefully selected, age-appropriate short-film programs from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF).   Parents, plan a fun activity at home for the entire family! Teachers, add some adventure to your curriculum with one of […]