HB 1595 - DIGEST

     Provides that a person may change the place of use of a water right without the requirement of approval under RCW 90.03.390 where the water is used on land contiguous to the place of use of the water right, the land is owned or leased by the holder of the water right, and the total amount of land to which the water is applied is not increased.  Before making the change, the water right holder shall notify the department of the change and describe the land subject to the change in place of use.

     Does not apply to the use of water within an irrigation district or to changes in use that increase the total amount of acreage irrigated under a water right.

     Declares that RCW 90.03.380 shall not be construed to prevent construction of emergency interties between public water systems to permit exchange of water during short-term emergency situations, or rotation in the use of water for bringing about a more economical use of the available supply, however, the department of health in consultation with the department of ecology shall adopt rules or develop written guidelines setting forth standards for determining when a short-term emergency exists and the circumstances in which emergency interties are permitted.  The rules or guidelines shall be consistent with the procedures established in RCW 43.83B.400 through 43.83B.420.