WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Several local agencies are helping farmers to prepare for the upcoming water rights adjudication.

Whatcom County Public Works, along with the Department of Ecology, Whatcom Conservation District and RE Sources are hosting three in-person forums to discuss the process this week.

The forums will offer information on water documents, permit-exempt wells and an overview of the adjudication process for small commercial farms.

This week’s meetings will take place starting Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Van Zandt Community Hall from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday’s meeting will be at the Lynden Senior Center and Thursday’s meeting is at the Ferndale Library.

The Nooksack adjudication process will look to quantify and prioritize water use within local watersheds, with highest priority given to the oldest, continuous water use. It is planned to begin this spring through Whatcom County Superior Court.

Find more information on the adjudication process on the county’s website and register for this week’s forums here.

Call (564)-233-1879 for any questions on the forums.