SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 6003
BYSenator Hansen
Changing provisions relating to nonrelinquishment of water rights.
Senate Committee on Agriculture
Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hansen, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard.
Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)
April 18, 1987
AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 16, 1987
BACKGROUND:
If someone entitled to water fails to beneficially use the water for five successive years, such water may revert to the state. The person shall be given notice of a hearing at which he or she may show sufficient cause why the right should not be declared relinquished.
The Water Right Registration Act of 1967 declared several instances when water nonuse does not result in relinquishment. One of those exemptions covers waters not subject to appropriation because the U.S. Department of Interior has notified the state that pursuant to the reclamation laws, it intends to investigate the use of such waters for reclamation purposes.
SUMMARY:
The exemption from nonrelinquishment includes federal projects commenced with water withdrawn from state appropriation unless or until such projects are declared completed or abandoned by the United States.
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: No one
HOUSE AMENDMENT:
Declares that the withdrawal of water from appropriation applies specifically to the Columbia Basin Project. A title reference is corrected.