HB 2504-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that recent studies have documented water conservation in areas served by project irrigation districts as a result of distribution system lining and piping and use of more efficient conveyance system technology.

Declares an intent that the department of ecology enter into agreements with the United States and Columbia basin project irrigation districts regarding the allocation of water conserved from within areas currently served by project waters to deep well irrigated lands within the federal Columbia basin project and for other authorized project beneficial uses. The department may provide the irrigation districts data identifying areas with the most serious ground water depletions.

Provides that the irrigation districts shall consider and may rely on the department's data and recommendations in making allocation decisions to offset groundwater withdrawals consistent with the operational constraints of the distribution system.