Ecology is responsible for managing the state's waters. An individual is granted the right to use those waters if:
- the water is put to a beneficial use and that use is not discontinued (except for some exceptions) for 5
years or longer;
- the water is available;
- there is no impairment of a senior water right holder; and
- the use is deemed to be in the public interest.
As long as a water right holder meets those four tests, he/she can continue to use the waters of the state. If a water user should stop using some/all of their water right (for reasons other than the exceptions provided by law) for more than five years, the state may relinquish that water right so the next water user waiting in line can put the water to use.