SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5872

                    As of February 28, 1997

Title:  An act relating to water right certificates for municipal supply purposes.

Brief Description:  Concerning the perfection of municipal water rights.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, Rasmussen, Morton, Haugen, Roach, Long, Wood, Sellar, McAuliffe, Strannigan, Horn, Loveland, Schow, McDonald, Anderson and Hochstatter.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  3/4/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:  Richard Duggan (786-7414)

Background:  The first step in the process of establishing a water right is an application for a permit to appropriate, which, for municipal water supply uses, includes an estimate of the future requirements of the municipality in addition to a description of the water source and the planned facilities.  The final step in that process is the issuance of a certificate, which recognizes and quantifies the right.  In the case of a municipal water supply, the quantity indicated in the certificate is based on water flow and the population information.

Summary of Bill:  The instantaneous and annual withdrawal rates specified in a certificate held by a public water system providing water for municipal supply purposes is presumed to be valid and perfected.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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