HB 3087 - DIGEST

Provides that the state and local governments shall consider replacement of potable domestic water use with reclaimed water to be feasible when the potable domestic water is being used in mining, manufacturing, or industrial processing or for the irrigation of highway rights of way, parks, golf courses, cemeteries, or other grounds.

Directs the department of health and the department of ecology to review the following issues and make recommendations to the legislature regarding any statutory or regulatory changes needed to promote the development of reclaimed water supplies and the use of reclaimed water in the state. Specifically, the department of health and the department of ecology shall consider whether: (1) Reclaimed water should be declared an alternative water source for purposes of considering new applications for water rights under chapter 90.03 RCW when the use of reclaimed water is considered feasible according to this act;

(2) Use of reclaimed water when deemed feasible according to this act should be required as a condition of subdivision or short subdivision approval under chapter 58.17 RCW;

(3) Reclaimed water should replace use of potable water for nonpotable water uses when necessary to protect or restore stream flows, especially in areas with listings of species as threatened or endangered according to the federal endangered species act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq., or in areas in which salmonid stocks are categorized as critical or depressed under the state salmon and steelhead stock inventory;

(4) The delegation of responsibilities between the department of ecology and the department of health are appropriate, or whether such delegation should be revised;

(5) Any additional incentives, such as tax exemptions or financing, should be implemented to promote the use of reclaimed water; and

(6) Additional opportunities for using reclaimed water according to the standards specified in this act exist.

Directs the department of health and the department of ecology to submit a joint report to the legislature describing the results of this review and identifying any recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes. This report shall be submitted to the legislature no later than December 31, 2004.