SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5899

As of February 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to water right place of use and purpose of use for expanding public water systems.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to expanding public water systems.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Morton, Oke, B. Sheldon, Honeyford, Eide, Rasmussen and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/23/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786‑7488)

Background:  State law provides that a water right remains appurtenant to the land or place on which it is used.  When the law establishes what information must be provided in any application for a water right, the specific requirement that is added for municipal water supply is that the application state the present population to be served and, as near as may be, the future requirement of the municipality.

Summary of Bill:  For purposes of coordination between the Department of Ecology and the Department of Health regarding approval procedures for water system plans, the place of use for municipal water supply is the service area in the approved water system plan.  A municipal water supplier is a purveyor, as defined by law, that has an approved water system plan and, also, is either a municipal corporation or the owner or operator of an expanding public water system that is entitled or obligated to serve existing and additional customers and uses within approved water service areas and consistent with applicable land use plans.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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