HB 2393 - DIGEST

Finds that the waters of the state are among the most valuable and fragile of the public's natural resources and that there is great concern throughout the state relating to their utilization, protection, restoration, and preservation.

Finds that ever increasing pressures of additional consumptive uses are being placed on the rivers, streams, and ground waters, necessitating increased coordination in the management of the waters of the state.

Declares that the common interest of all of the people, as the owners of the waters of the state, shall be paramount in the management of water; and that the department's role as steward of the state's water resources require it to have the ability to exercise sound planning and oversight powers that will enable it to protect the interests of today's and tomorrow's citizens.

Declares that, in the implementation of this policy the public's opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the waters of the state shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible consistent with the overall best interest of the state and the people generally. To this end, uses shall be preferred that are consistent with water resource sustainability, control of pollution, and prevention of damage to the natural environment.