CELP works to enact sustainable and resilient water management policies in Washington that protect and restore our states rivers, streams and aquifers as the climate warms. We defend instream flows, support stream flow restoration in overallocated basins and promote water use efficiency and water conservation to maintain healthy freshwater ecosystems that support fish and wildlife, our state’s population and sustainable agriculture.

Many consider Washington a water-rich state, but water shortages often happen when and where it is needed the most. Many streams around the state often fall below critical levels, especially in late summer. In recent drought years, a large portion of the state’s streams dropped to record-breaking lows. Population growth and the effects of climate change continue to increase the stress on this crucial and finite resource.