Water Means Life
Foundation
Protecting Washington’s water resources for people, ecosystems, and future generations.
Forest Preservation
Tree Propagation
Water Management
Advocating for Washington’s Water Rights and Natural Resources
Water is life. Washington State law recognizes water as a public resource, not a private commodity. The Water Means Life Foundation is dedicated to preserving and protecting water for the public good, advocating for policies that ensure clean water remains accessible, sustainable, and protected for all.
We work to defend public water trust laws, preserve natural ecosystems, and safeguard everyone’s fundamental right to domestic water supply.
The Nooksack River Case: A Glimpse into Our Work
Climate change is not a distant threat—it is here and now. The Nooksack River, fed by glaciers on Mount Baker in Washington State, exemplifies the urgent need for action.
The Challenge
Glacier melt, accelerated by rising global temperatures, is reducing the river’s flow, endangering water supply for:
- Communities: Many depend on the Nooksack for drinking water and sanitation.
- Agriculture: Farms in the region rely heavily on this water source.
- Ecosystems: Salmon, a keystone species, depend on the river’s flow for survival. The “threatened” Chinook Salmon species is the primary foodstuff for the “endangered” Orcinus Orca (southern killer whale) species in the Salish Sea.
- Tribal fishing rights: Restoration of “usual and accustomed places” for utilization of fishery resource “in common.”
Our Role
The Water Means Life Foundation is actively working to:
- Build legal cases emphasizing protection of natural water systems and nature’s need for water against human overconsumption for purely economic purposes.
- Advocate for policies that recognize and respond to the realities of climate change.
- Elevate public awareness about the importance of preserving glacier-fed water systems.
The Nooksack River case is just one of many examples where we propose taking action to create meaningful change. The judicial record of Whatcom County Superior Court is open for filing claims now.
Our Mission
The Water Means Life Foundation works to achieve these goals:
Promote public understanding that water belongs to everyone under Washington law.
Preserve aquatic ecosystems and species that depend on clean water.
Defend public water trust laws to ensure legislative responsibility.
Advocate for every person’s access to sufficient domestic water.
Advance judicial and legislative recognition of environmental and instream water rights.
Protecting Water Protects Life
Clean water is a fundamental need. It sustains families, supports ecosystems, and fuels local economies. Washington State’s laws declare water as a beneficial resource for domestic use, agriculture, fish and wildlife, and environmental preservation.
The Water Means Life Foundation ensures these laws are upheld. We defend the public’s right to access water, preserve aquatic environments, and promote sustainable water policies that protect future generations.
Protecting Water Through Education, Advocacy, and Action
- The Water Means Life Foundation focuses on three core strategies to protect public water resources:
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Educate
We raise awareness about Washington’s water laws and the importance of public water trust. Through community outreach and education, we empower people to defend their water rights.
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Advocate
We fight for policies and laws that protect water for the public. We work to ensure fair water use, safeguard ecosystems, and promote sustainable water management.
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Litigate
When public water resources are threatened, we take legal action. We hold governments and organizations accountable to protect the public’s rights to clean and sufficient water.
The Water Crisis in Numbers
Currently face water scarcity worldwide
In glacier mass in the Cascades over the past 50 years.
Is dedicated to agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to supply fluctuations.
Have been lost globally, exacerbating water management challenges.
Our Approach: Educate, Advocate, Litigate
Educate
Knowledge is power. At Water Means Life, we prioritize public education to ensure communities understand the stakes and their rights.
What We Offer:
- Workshops and Webinars: Covering topics like water law, climate impacts, and sustainable practices.
- Educational Resources: Easy-to-understand guides, videos, and infographics that break down complex issues.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with schools, local organizations, and civic groups to spread awareness.
By educating the public, we empower them to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Advocate
Effective advocacy is the bridge between awareness and action. We work to influence policies and practices that prioritize sustainability and justice.
Our Advocacy Goals:
- Push for systemic reform in water resource management.
- Advocate for climate-resilient policies that prioritize long-term sustainability.
- Engage with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders to promote equitable solutions.
Litigate
When education and advocacy aren’t enough, we turn to the courts. Environmental litigation is one of our most powerful tools for creating lasting change.
Key Focus Areas:
- Protecting vulnerable water systems like the Nooksack River.
- Challenging policies that prioritize profit over people and the planet.
- Establishing legal precedents that hold decision-makers accountable for environmental harm.
Join Us Today
Ready to make a difference? Take the first step by joining our mailing list, donating, or volunteering. Together, we can ensure that water remains a source of life for generations to come.
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