Washington § 90.03.645 - Water rights adjudication — Early settlement encouraged — Approval of settlement.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.03.645 — Water rights adjudication — Early settlement encouraged — Approval of settlement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.03.645. Water rights adjudication — Early settlement encouraged — Approval of settlement.

(1) The legislature finds that early settlement of contested claims is needed for a fair and efficient adjudication of water rights. Therefore, the department and other parties should identify opportunities for settlement following the date set by the court for filing of claims. To the extent consistent with court rules, the court as it deems beneficial is encouraged to urge as many parties to the adjudication as possible to reach timely agreement on claimed water rights in a manner that limits costs to the public, claimants, counties, courts, and the department. Further, at appropriate times throughout the process the court as it deems beneficial is encouraged to direct parties to utilize alternative methods of dispute resolution, including informal meetings, negotiation, mediation, or other methods to reach agreement on disputed claims.
(2) Any time after the filing of all claims under RCW 90.03.140, the department or another party may move the superior court to allow parties to meet for settlement discussions for a set length of time, either before an appointed mediator or without a mediator. For good cause shown, the court may extend the length of time for settlement discussions. The costs of mediation must be equitably borne by the parties to the mediation.
(3) If the department and a claimant reach agreement on settlement, the department shall file a motion to approve the settlement pursuant to RCW 90.03.640(3)(a) and shall disclose the terms of the settlement to other parties to the adjudication. The court shall conduct a hearing prior to approving a settlement and any party to the adjudication may object or offer modifications to the settlement.
[ 2023 c 160 s 6; 2009 c 332 s 11.]

Notes

Application—2009 c 332: See note following RCW 90.03.110.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.03.645 cover?

Section 90.03.645 ("Water rights adjudication — Early settlement encouraged — Approval of settlement.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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