Natural Resources

Water Mitigation Program

Chelan County is implementing a Water Mitigation Program staring April 1, 2021 to protect senior surface water and groundwater water rights and to ensure water reliability for new domestic uses. This program ensures Chelan County is compliant with state law by making a determination that water is both physically and legally available when building permits are issued. Chelan County updated its County Code (Chapter 13.30) to establish this program.

This program applies to building permits that require a new water use within the Lake Chelan, Entiat River, and Wenatchee River Basins. To determine if your building permit is included in this program and requires a water mitigation certificate, refer to the information below.

Water Mitigation Application 

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

 

Process

  1. See flow chart to determine if a water mitigation certificate is needed
  2. Water Mitigation Application: Fill this out prior to submitting your building permit application. More information on the building permit application is available here.
  3. Fees will be paid at the time your water mitigation application is submitted to the Community Development Department. Checks should be paid to "Chelan County".
  4. Submit water mitigation application with fees to the Chelan County Community Development Department. Drop off in-person during business hours, or mail to: Chelan County Community Development, Attn: Water Mitigation Application, 316 Washington St., Suite 301, Wenatchee, WA 98801.
  5. See map that identifies where this program applies
  6. Water Mitigation Program Guidance Document: Step by step instructions on how to comply with this program.

 

Fees

There are two fees: an administration fee plus a mitigation fee for each dwelling. In some locations the mitigation fee is currently $0. The mitigation fee applies to each dwelling (i.e. single family residence plus an accessory dwelling unit requires two mitigation fees).

Water mitigation administration fee for Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and Entiat subbasins is 1000 dollars. water mitigation fee for lake Chelan basin is 1000 dollars. water mitigation for upper Wenatchee and Wenatchee tributaries is 1000 dollars. water mitigation fee for lower Wenatchee river is 0 dollars. water mitigation for Entiat basin is 0 dollars.

 

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Guidance Document (Step-by-Step)

Mitigation Need Flow Chart 

 

Contact Information:

Mary Jo Sanborn
maryjo.sanborn@co.chelan.wa.us
509-860-2135

Abby Hendrickson
abby.hendrickson@co.chelan.wa.us
509-630-6430

Mike Kaputa
mike.kaputa@co.chelan.wa.us
509-670-6935

Posted: 03/31/2021 10:16 AM
Last Updated: 04/08/2025 10:14 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 14
    May 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on May 14, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 12
    May 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

  • 09
    May 2025
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    Lot Drawing for Candidates

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Lot drawing for candidates placement on the ballot.

    Chelan County Elections Office
  • 07
    May 2025
    09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - May 7,2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St. Wenatchee WA 98801
  • 05
    May 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Elections: Candidate Filing Week

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Candidate filing week.