The Olympia City Council began condemnation proceedings this morning for the former Olympia brewery in Tumwater, including all water rights associated with the property. "Our interest is in the water rights and our goal is to preserve these vital water rights for public use," said Mayor Mark Foutch in a press release. He went on to say Olympia plans to immediately start talks with area municipalities about water rights issues, especially Tumwater and Lacey.

The urgency is due to Olympia’s understanding of condemnation law, said City Manager Steve Hall.

"Any party that can demonstrate a higher use can go to court and begin condemnation proceedings," said Hall. "There was the potential for another private or public entity to get to the courthouse first. We wanted to get a foot in the door."

All three of Thurston County’s largest cities are facing water issues. The City of Lacey has stopped issuing building permits in its urban growth area due to a lack of water rights. Tumwater’s water rights are good only until 2013, said Hall, while Olympia’s water rights could run out between 2015 and 2020 unless new rights are acquired. Based on growth patterns, Olympia is projected by 2050 to need an additional 15.6 million gallons per day during peak summer season. Olympia, which already provides wholesale water to Lacey and Thurston County Public Utilities District, is open to discussing sharing water rights with Tumwater and Lacey.

The cities of Olympia and Tumwater have previously asked L. Eric Whetstone, the new owner of the brewery property, to sell water rights. A few weeks ago, Lacey City Manager Greg Cuoio inquired about purchasing water as well. Water rights at the brewery may total 14 million gallons per day.