The creek has been closed to further water withdrawals for more than 20 years. Simmons has received written and verbal warnings about the illegal water use since 1994. Investigations in mid-September revealed ongoing irrigating and no installed flow meter. We are working hard on many fronts to ensure we have adequate supplies of water for people and the environment into the future. Getting a grip on illegal water use is one important strategy.
Ecology also is charged with protecting the rights of senior water-right holders.
Those rights are compromised by illegal water use, Schlender said. He also may file an appeal within 30 days with the state s Pollution Control Hearings Board.