SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1164

                     As of March 18, 1999

Title:  An act relating to revising the definition of public water system to include systems providing water through constructed conveyances, in conformance with federal law.

Brief Description:  Changing the definition of public water system.

Sponsors:  Representatives G. Chandler, Linville, Koster and Cooper; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  3/19/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background:  For the state to maintain its authority to regulate water supplies to protect public health, state laws must conform with the provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.  The current definition of a public water system in state law does not conform to recent amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Summary of Bill:  The definition of a public water system is changed so that it includes systems which provide water through both pipes and other constructed conveyances.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.