SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5275

                    As of January 29, 1997

Title:  An act relating to permit exemptions for small water withdrawals.

Brief Description:  Allowing for the withdrawal of small amounts of ground water without requiring a permit.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  1/30/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:  Richard Duggan (786-7414)

Background:  Since 1945, state law has required a permit or certificate of ground water right as a prerequisite to the withdrawal of public ground waters.  An exception to this requirement is provided for withdrawals for stock-watering, for watering a lawn or a noncommercial garden of less than one-half acre, and, in amounts of 5,000 gallons per day or less, for single or group domestic uses or an industrial purpose.

This exception has been administratively interpreted to apply the 5,000 gallon limit to each groundwater well.  The acreage limitation has been interpreted to apply to both lawns and noncommercial gardens.

Summary of Bill:  The exception is made available for each single unit residential use of less than 5,000 gallons per day and for any lawn watering use regardless of the size of the lawn.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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