ANALYSIS OF HB 1164

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                        January 25, 1999

  The state definition for a public water system is

made consistent with federal law.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Health is responsible for administering a drinking water program consistent with the requirements of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.  The current state definition of a "public water system" is inconsistent with the federal definition.  Under the state definition, a public water system means a system providing piped water for human consumption.  The federal law was recently amended to include water provided through other constructed conveyances for human consumption.  State laws implementing the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act are required to be at least as stringent as the federal law.

SUMMARY:

The definition of a public water system is amended to be consistent with federal law.  A "public water system" includes a system where water is provided for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances.