Washington § 90.14.160 - Relinquishment of right for abandonment or failure to beneficially use without sufficient cause — Prior rights acquired through appropriation, custom or general adjudication.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.14.160 — Relinquishment of right for abandonment or failure to beneficially use without sufficient cause — Prior rights acquired through appropriation, custom or general adjudication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.14.160. Relinquishment of right for abandonment or failure to beneficially use without sufficient cause — Prior rights acquired through appropriation, custom or general adjudication.

Any person entitled to divert or withdraw waters of the state through any appropriation authorized by enactments of the legislature prior to enactment of chapter 117, Laws of 1917, or by custom, or by general adjudication, who abandons the same, or who voluntarily fails, without sufficient cause, to beneficially use all or any part of said right to divert or withdraw for any period of five successive years after July 1, 1967, shall relinquish such right or portion thereof, and said right or portion thereof shall revert to the state, and the waters affected by said right shall become available for appropriation in accordance with RCW 90.03.250.
[ 1981 c 291 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 216 s 5; 1967 c 233 s 16.]

Notes

Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 216: See notes following RCW 90.03.245.
Effective date—1967 c 233: See RCW 90.14.900.
Application to Yakima river basin trust water rights: RCW 90.38.040.
Implementation and enforcement of chapter—Proceedings under RCW 90.14.130 deemed adjudicative—Application of RCW sections to specific proceedings: RCW 90.14.200.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.14.160

What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.14.160 cover?

Section 90.14.160 ("Relinquishment of right for abandonment or failure to beneficially use without sufficient cause — Prior rights acquired through appropriation, custom or general adjudication.") 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.

How do I cite Washington § 90.14.160?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.14.160" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 90.14.160 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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