(1) Based on past and current low flows, ecology has determined that no waters are reliably available for new consumptive uses from the streams and tributaries in WRIA 17 listed in Table 5, with the exception of certain times of year in the Big Quilcene River and Chimacum Creek. Therefore, all surface waters listed in Table 5 are closed to any further consumptive appropriation, except as provided in WAC 173-517-110.

Ecology finds that there is some water available above the instream flows at specific locations and times of year in the Big Quilcene River and Chimacum Creek that could be appropriated for storage or other projects that do not require year-round water supplies. These withdrawals require a water right permit from ecology and are subject to the seasonal restrictions in Table 5, the instream flows established in WAC 173-517-090, and the allocation limits defined in WAC 173-517-140.

(2) Closures in subsection (1) of this section include future withdrawals from groundwater that would have an adverse impact on closed surface water, including permit-exempt withdrawals.

(3) Exceptions to the closures are provided in WAC 173-517-110.