CELP works to protect and restore the rivers and aquifers of western Washington and the Columbia River watershed. We believe that the use of freshwater resources must be guided by concepts of the public trust (protecting water for the common good) and the precautionary principle (avoiding irreversible commitments in the face of scientific uncertainty).

CELP fulfills its mission by:

• Promoting improvements to our water and environmental  laws to benefit the public interest.
• Advocating for the use of sound science and sustainable economics in water resource management decisions at all levels of government.
• Seeking environmentally sound solutions to the problems of climate change.
• Educating the public and public officials about water resource issues.

CELP works through five programs:

• Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty
• Restoring Endangered Rivers & Streams
• Protecting Drinking Water Aquifers
• Water Wise Land Use Planning
• Preparing for Climate Change
• Water 9-1-1

Our work on these programs can include: monitoring government decisions that impact our waters; engaging with federal, state and local governments to improve water policies; partnering with local activists; and enforcing our laws on behalf on the public’s interest in clean, flowing water.