All irrigators who draw water from rivers or creeks are required by state law to have an approved fish screen on their diversion. Even landowners watering lawns, small orchards, or pastures must have a fish screen. Without a screen, juvenile fish are at risk from entrapment into the irrigation system, and landowners are at risk for violation of the Endangered Species Act. The District has funding to assist landowners to install fish screens. Over 333 landowners in Walla Walla County have taken advantage of our program to install fish screens.

State law also requires anyone who irrigates, even from a well, to install a water meter. Using a water meter to record your water usage is the best way to document your water usage and protect your water right. Both the meter and screen program can provide up to 85% of the cost of purchasing and installing meters and screens.