Brief Description: Concerning reclaimed water permits.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, B. Sullivan, Buck and Haler.

Hearing Date: 2/23/05

Staff: Caroleen Dineen (786-7156).

Background:

Reclaimed water is an effluent derived from a wastewater treatment system that has been treated to be suitable for a beneficial use or a controlled use that otherwise would not occur. Reclaimed water may be used for a variety of nonpotable water purposes, including irrigation, agricultural uses, industrial and commercial uses, streamflow augmentation, dust control, fire suppression, surface percolation, and discharge into constructed wetlands.

The Department of Health and the Department of Ecology were required to adopt a single set of standards, procedures, and guidelines for industrial and commercial uses and land applications of reclaimed water. The Department of Health issues permits to water generators for commercial or industrial uses of reclaimed water. The Department of Ecology issues reclaimed water permits for land applications of reclaimed water. A reclaimed water permit for these types of uses may only be issued to a municipal, quasi-municipal, or other governmental entity or to the holder of a water quality waste discharge permit.

Summary of Bill:

A private utility may obtain a reclaimed water permit for industrial and commercial uses and land applications of reclaimed water. "Private utility" is defined for this purpose to include all private and public utilities that provide sewerage and/or water service and do not qualify as municipal corporations. A private utility may be owned by a corporation, a cooperative association, mutual organization, or an individual person(s).

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.