Revised Code of Washington
2023 Archive

Chapter 90.44 RCW
REGULATION OF PUBLIC GROUNDWATERS
PDF of Chapter Digest
PDF of Complete Chapter
Sections
90.44.020Purpose of chapter.
90.44.030Chapter not to affect surface water rights.
90.44.035Definitions.
90.44.040Public groundwaters subject to appropriation.
90.44.050Permit to withdraw.
90.44.052Whitman county clustered residential developments pilot project—Exemption from permit requirements.
90.44.055Applications for water right or amendment—Consideration of water impoundment or other resource management technique.
90.44.060Laws governing withdrawal.
90.44.062Use of reclaimed water by wastewater treatment facility—Permit requirements inapplicable.
90.44.070Limitations on granting permit.
90.44.080Certificate—Showing required.
90.44.090Certificate of vested rights.
90.44.100Amendment to permit or certificate—Replacement or new additional wells—Exemption for small irrigation impoundments.
90.44.105Amendment to permit or certificate—Consolidation of rights for exempt wells.
90.44.110Waste of water prohibited—Exceptions.
90.44.120Penalty for waste or unauthorized use of water.
90.44.130Priorities as between appropriators—Department in charge of groundwater withdrawals—Establishment and modification of groundwater areas and depth zones—Declarations by claimant of artificially stored water.
90.44.180Hearing to adjust supply to current needs.
90.44.200Water supervisors—Duties—Compensation.
90.44.220Petition to conduct an adjudication to determine rights to water.
90.44.230Effect of findings and judgment.
90.44.250Investigations—Reports of appropriators.
90.44.400Groundwater management areas—Purpose—Standards—Identification—Designation.
90.44.410Requirements for groundwater management programs—Review of programs.
90.44.420Groundwater management programs—Consideration by department of ecology—Public hearing—Findings—Adoption of regulations, ordinances, and programs.
90.44.430Groundwater management programs—Guidance to local governments and certain departments.
90.44.440Existing rights not affected.
90.44.445Acreage expansion program—Authorization—Certification.
90.44.450Metering or measuring groundwater withdrawals—Reports.
90.44.460Reservoir permits.
90.44.500Civil penalties.
90.44.510Superseding water right permit or certificate—Water delivered from federal Columbia Basin project.
90.44.530Applications to appropriate groundwater under a cost-reimbursement agreement.
90.44.540Expedited processing of applications—Notification—Fees.
90.44.550Odessa groundwater subarea—Nonuse of a water right—Notice to the department—Conditions.
NOTES:
Aquifer protection areas: Chapter 36.36 RCW.