SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5784

                    As of February 26, 1997

Title:  An act relating to conditioning building permits on connecting to public water systems.

Brief Description:  Conditioning certain building permits on connecting to public water systems.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, Haugen and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/27/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Kathleen Healy (786-7403)

Background:  An applicant seeking a building permit for a building needing potable water must provide evidence of an adequate water supply for the intended use of the building.  Appropriate evidence includes a water right permit from the Department of Ecology or a letter from an approved water supplier stating the applicant's ability to provide water to the building.

The county or city may impose conditions on building permits requiring connection to an existing public water system.  The water system must be willing and able to provide potable water to the building with reasonable economy.

Summary of Bill:  If the building will be located within the service area of a water district, public utility district or similar special purpose district, the county or city must require connection to the public water system.  The district must request that the county or city impose this condition on the building permit.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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