LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A pair of local groups are helping farmers to prepare for the upcoming water rights adjudication.

Whatcom Family Farmers and Whatcom’s Ag Water Board are hosting an informational meeting Wednesday, March 27 in Lynden. Water rights consultants will be on hand to discuss steps you may need to take to prepare for the adjudication process. A water rights attorney will also give offer insight on the process and settlement possibilities for farmers.

The adjudication process pertains to the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 1 of the Nooksack Basin. This includes the entire Nooksack River watershed as well as Bellingham Bay, Birch Bay, Chuckanut, Drayton Harbor, Lake Whatcom, Lummi Bay, Point Roberts and Sumas River watersheds. These areas comprise the majority of incorporated and unincorporated Whatcom County.

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.

Wednesday’s event takes place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion on the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds.

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. Find more information on the adjudication process and how to attend next week’s forum on Whatcom County’s website.