HB 2996 - DIGEST

     Provides that any well completed into a confined aquifer shall be allowed to flow freely for public uses if:  (1) The public body referred to in this act files a statement of claim of the free-flowing public use of the well under this act;

     (2) the well is constructed according to state law and agency rules pertaining to well construction;

     (3) the well has a discharge rate not to exceed twelve gallons per minute;

     (4) the well is owned, operated, and maintained by a recognized public body and the public body files a written request with the department of ecology that the well be allowed to flow freely for public uses;

     (5) the operator of the well ensures the unused portion of the flow is piped from the well head and discharged directly into a surface water body within the limits of a city; and

     (6) the discharge does not allow for any degradation of water quality.