SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5715

As of February 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the standards for agricultural transfers of water.

Brief Description:  Changing the standard for agricultural transfers of water.

Sponsors:  Senators Honeyford, Rasmussen, Hale, Morton, McDonald, T. Sheldon, Hochstatter, Swecker, Deccio, Hewitt, Stevens, Parlette and Sheahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/15/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786‑7488)

Background:  The State Water Code allows the place of use, point of diversion, or purpose of use of a water right to be changed, if there is no detriment or injury to existing rights. The code also specifically allows the place of use, point of diversion, or purpose of use to be changed to allow irrigation of additional acreage or addition of new uses, if annual consumption of water, which is the amount of the water right, reduced by return flows and averaged over the most recent five years, does not increase. The filing of an application with the Department of Ecology, the publication of notice, and formal approval by the department are required.

Summary of Bill:  The irrigation of additional acreage or addition of new uses is allowed, if there is no increase in quantity of water used or previously used, before implementation of efficiency measures.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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