SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5195
BYSenators Barr, Hansen, Talmadge, Williams, Conner, Rasmussen, Gaspard, Bauer, Warnke, Benitz and Lee; by request of Governor
Regarding water use efficiency and conservation.
Senate Committee on Agriculture
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989; February 28, 1989
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5195 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen, Newhouse.
Senate Staff:Bob Lee (786-7404)
March 3, 1989
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 1, 1989
BACKGROUND:
In 1988 legislation was enacted which established a multi-interest interim committee to look into ways both instream and major out of stream water can be used more efficiently. After several meetings during the year, the Water Use Efficiency Committee published a report in late December of 1988 which contains a large number and range of concepts. Some of the ideas and concepts were modified and prepared into legislation at the request of the Governor's office.
SUMMARY:
That improved water use efficiency shall be emphasized in the management of the state's water is added to the fundamental policies of the Water Resource Act of 1971. Several terms are defined including reasonably efficient practices, waste and water use efficiency. Specific criteria are set forth to determine what are reasonably efficient practices.
Entities which receive financial assistance from the state for water supply planning or construction are required to implement rate structures, metering and other programs that encourage the efficient use of water. Public funding shall be contingent on public benefits. If a water user conserves water by using private funds, the policy is that he should be allowed to capture a portion of the benefits. State programs to improve water use efficiency are to be focused in areas where waters have been over-appropriated.
People with wells are required to maintain measuring devices. New wells may be required to be equipped with meters. The department may require reports of metered diversions and withdrawals.
The State Building Code Council is to adopt rules designed to achieve maximum water conservation benefits in all new or remodeled buildings. These rules are to allow for the reuse of grey water in residential plumbing systems. Grey water is to be used in toilets, lawn watering and other appropriate ways. The State Building Code Council is to adopt changes to the code at the next scheduled time for revision to the State Plumbing Code. Cities, towns and counties are then to enforce these revised standards.
The Department of Ecology is directed to adopt and publish guidelines for a schedule of water requirements for crops and is to determine the feasibility of developing guidelines for conveyance efficiency.
Water supply entities are to be encouraged to develop water use efficiency plans for their service areas. The Department of Social and Health Services is to adopt rules to establish guidelines for such plans.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
In addition to traditional development approaches, improved water use efficiency and conservation shall be emphasized and in some cases will be a potential new source of water to meet future needs. The benefits and costs of improved efficiency should be taken into account when the Department of Ecology takes action to reduce wasteful practices.
The terms "waste" and "water use efficiency" are defined. Increased waste use efficiency including water storage and waste water recycling should receive consideration as potential sources of water in state and local planning processes.
Entities receiving state financial assistance for water supply or water quality improvements should develop and implement a cost-effective water use efficiency and conservation element in a water supply plan. Public funding should be directed to projects with the greater public benefit. Transfers of water and water rights should be encouraged if consistent with the public interest. Efforts to improve efficiency should be focused in areas that are over appropriated and where projected need exceeds supplies. Reuse of grey water should be allowed consistent with protection of public health and water quality.
The Department of Ecology may require metering of new diversions and wells.
The State Building Code Council is to phase in efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures which are to be no more restrictive than the following examples measured in gallons per minute or gallons per flush:
!tp1,4,2,2,2 !tj1!tlJuly 1990!tlJuly 1993
!tlFaucets !tl3.0 gpm !tl2.5 gpm
!tlShower Heads !tl3.0 gpm !tl2.5 gpm
!tlToilets !tl3.5 gpf !tl1.6 gpf
In setting the guidelines, the Building Code Council shall take into account the availability of fixtures which are technologically feasible and economically justified. Also the council is to assess the potential impact on necessary flow or water required to insure that sewer lines and treatment plants will operate effectively.
Sewer plans submitted to the Department of Ecology shall include a discussion of water conservation measures considered or underway on public sewer service.
The Department of Ecology, in consultation with the Soil Conservation Service and Cooperative Extension are to develop guidelines for crop water requirements to be used for the purpose of water conservation funding, water right transfers and issuance of new water rights.
The department is also to determine the feasibility of developing guidelines for conveyance efficiency and report to the Legislature by July 1, 1991.
The Department of Ecology may establish a task force to conduct an evaluation of irrigated areas to establish a list of basins and stream efficiency initiatives and select an area for a voluntary demonstration conservation program.
The Departments of Ecology and Social and Health Services are to adopt rules to: (1) establish guidelines for plans to improve water use efficiency by entities supplying water to the public; (2) provide funds for development of efficiency plans; (3) develop criteria for grey water reuse.
The Department of Social and Health Services is to adopt procedures and guidelines relating to water use efficiency and conservation. Such guidelines are not to infringe on rate-making prerogatives of any local entity.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: Kaleen Cottingham, Governor's Office (pro); Mark Triplett, Building Industry Association; John Kirner, City of Tacoma Water Division (pro); Bob Wubbera (pro); Tom Mortimer PUD Association (pro); Elizabeth Tabbutt WEC (pro); Jeanne Dickman, WSWRA (pro); Hedia Adelson, Ecology (pro)