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RACC adds 'protectability' to criteria and calls for clearer monitoring and quantification standards
Summary
The committee added 'protectability' to water-right characteristics used in project evaluation and asked staff to strengthen monitoring, flow-target alignment, and quantification—especially for groundwater projects where connections to surface water must be demonstrated.
OWEB proposed adding "protectability" to characteristics of water rights considered during project evaluations, prompting broad support. "If water is purchased or leased, is it protectable?" Brian asked, adding that protectability depends on existing management frameworks, monitoring gauges and the ability of partners to ensure protection. Spencer Sawoski said that is a useful addition.
Members requested clearer guidance on monitoring and quantification for groundwater projects. Spencer and others argued groundwater-to-surface-water connections need to be quantified to determine valuation and cost-effectiveness of acquisitions. The RACC asked staff to consider adding explicit evaluation steps for quantification or hydraulic connectivity where appropriate and to describe monitoring expectations in guidance.
