Taneum Creek, located in Kittitas County near the town of Thorp, Washington, is a tributary of the Yakima River. Currently, the Taneum Canal Company (TCC) has a legal right to divert the majority of winter flows out of Taneum Creek, causing the creek to be nearly dewatered at various times. This condition decreases the likelihood of fish passage, rearing, and spawning in the creek.

Reclamation will acquire 28.8 cubic feet per second of the winter water right held by the TCC to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in Taneum Creek during the months of November to February. TCC holds a water right of up to 10 acre-feet, roughly about 1.2 cfs, for stock watering purposes during the period from November 16 through February 19.

The water right, confirmed under the Yakima River Basin Adjudication, also provides for the diversion of up to 28.8 cfs of water during this winter period for conveyance purposes.

A number of partners will assist in monitoring canal operation including the TCC, Reclamation, Washington Water Trust, and the Yakama Nation; the Washington State Department of Ecology will be the lead in monitoring.