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Lynden Today
By the People, for the People
Whatcom County Seeks Deadline Extension for Water Rights Claims
Court hearing scheduled to consider extending May 1 filing deadline amid confusion over notification process.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Whatcom County has requested a court hearing to consider extending the May 1 deadline for water users to file claims as part of the ongoing Nooksack River Basin water rights adjudication process. The county cites 'uncertainty and confusion' among water users due to a discrepancy in the notification system, with some receiving claim forms by mail and others being notified through newspaper publication.
Why it matters
The adjudication process, initiated in 2024 by the Department of Ecology, aims to resolve long-standing disputes and establish a clear framework for water usage in the Nooksack River Basin. The low filing rate so far, with only around 1,600 claims submitted out of an anticipated 15,000-20,000, underscores the need for clarity and potentially more time for water users to comply.
The details
Whatcom County requested the extension last month, noting that over 25% of water users have yet to receive their claim forms. Judge David Freeman has allowed the county to proceed with its motion, recognizing the potential for disenfranchisement. The adjudication process is expected to take over a decade to complete and impacts thousands of water users in Water Resource Area 1.
- The court hearing to consider the deadline extension is scheduled for April 21, 2026.
- The current filing deadline is May 1, 2026, or one year from the date a water user received their claim form, whichever is later.
The players
Whatcom County
The local government entity that requested the deadline extension due to confusion among water users over the notification process.
Judge David Freeman
The judge presiding over the Whatcom County water rights adjudication case who has allowed the county to proceed with its motion to extend the filing deadline.
Washington State Department of Ecology
The state agency that initiated the Nooksack River Basin water rights adjudication process in May 2024.
What they’re saying
“We must provide water users with the time and resources they need to properly file their claims and participate in this critical process.”
— Whatcom County Public Works (Whatcom County Court Filing)
What’s next
The judge will decide on April 21, 2026 whether to extend the May 1 filing deadline for Whatcom County water users as part of the Nooksack River Basin water rights adjudication process.
The takeaway
The potential deadline extension highlights the complexity and challenges faced by water users in navigating the adjudication process, underscoring the need for clear communication and adequate time to ensure all stakeholders can properly participate and have their water rights claims addressed.
