What does $2.4 million water rights purchase mean for Thurston County’s growth?
Thurston County secured a $2.4 million grant to purchase water rights to keep up with a quickly-growing community, and protect local resources for future generations.
According to a news release from the county on Dec. 19, the grant agreement came from the Washington State Department of Ecology to buy about 800-acre feet of water rights from the TransAlta Water Bank.
TransAlta is the holder of water rights for the Skookumchuck and Chehalis rivers.
According to the release, one acre-foot is equivalent to 325,851 gallons of water, which is how much water two to three average households use.
“The investment represents an innovative way to meet state requirements to offset impacts of new permit-exempt wells and will permanently dedicate water back to the Lower Skookumchuck and Chehalis rivers,” according to the release. “This strengthens streamflows while supporting responsible growth across the region.”
The release said the county is planning ahead, rather than reacting to water shortages as they arise.
“By securing water now, the County is protecting both the surface water fish rely on and the groundwater that supplies drinking water for most local residents,” according to the release.
County Commissioner Wayne Fournier said securing the grant is a defining moment.
“With this investment we’re recognizing the fact that water doesn’t stop at the county line,” he said in the release. “We’re proving we can responsibly reconcile the need for community growth with the fundamental necessity of protecting the health of our watershed and the future prosperity of the people who live here who can rely on this water for generations to come.”
According to the release, this project is one of the state’s first climate-resilient water rights investments. It will help river systems remain healthy during hotter, drier summers and more variable streamflows. And in turn, it will benefit salmon, water quality and overall watershed health.
“The water rights purchase will offset the projected impacts of new domestic wells in the Chehalis Basin through 2040, ensuring continued residential building permitting in Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties,” according to the release.
The grant totals $2,406,456.46, according to the release. The county plans to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with TransAlta once the grant agreement is approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
“The final agreement, which formally dedicates the water to the rivers, is anticipated to be ready for Board review in early 2026,” according to the release.
This story was originally published December 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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