HB 2239 - DIGEST

Addresses water availability issues created by the state supreme court decision in Whatcom County v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board solely by providing immediate and temporary relief to landowners affected by the decision by ensuring that a water well report for a groundwater withdrawal exempt from permitting and not prohibited by an applicable water resources management rule adopted by the department of ecology may serve as evidence of an adequate water supply for a building necessitating potable water.

Allows cities and counties to rely on water resource management rules adopted by the department of ecology in providing for the protection of surface water and groundwater.

Creates a joint legislative task force on water supply to review: (1) The treatment of groundwater withdrawals that are exempt from permitting requirements; and

(2) The implementation of RCW 19.27.097 and 36.70A.070 (sections 1 through 3 of this act).

Provides a June 30, 2019, expiration date for the task force.