(1) Instream flows established in this chapter are flow levels which protect and preserve wildlife, fish, stock water, scenic, aesthetic, recreation, water quality and other environmental values, and navigational values.

(2) Instream flows established in this chapter are water rights, which protect instream values from future consumptive appropriations. The priority date of the instream flows is the effective date of this chapter.

(3) Instream flows will be protected from impairment by any new water rights commenced after the effective date of this chapter and by all future changes and transfers of senior and junior water rights, including both surface and groundwater rights. The following water rights are not subject to instream flows:

(a) Water rights existing before the effective date of this chapter as explained in WAC 173-517-020(4).

(b) Water rights appropriated from the reserves of water established in WAC 173-517-150.

(c) Future withdrawals for environmental restoration purposes under WAC 173-517-200, unless included as a permit condition.

(4) Instream flows are expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs), and measured at the control points identified in WAC 173-517-080.

(5) Instream flows are established in Tables 2 through 4 below, for the stream management units identified in WAC 173-517-080.