Brief Description: Limiting the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.

Sponsors: By Representative Ormsby.

House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks
Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment

Background:

Phosphorous is a naturally occurring element that stimulates plant growth. When introduced into freshwater, phosphorous promotes growth of weeds and algae and can degrade water quality.

In 1993, legislation was enacted prohibiting the sale of laundry detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight and the sale of dishwashing detergent that contains more than 8.7 percent phosphorous by weight. The sale or distribution of detergents for commercial and industrial uses are exempt from the restriction.

Summary:

The sale of dishwashing detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight is prohibited after July 1, 2008, in counties with populations greater than 180,000 and less than 220,000 and in counties with populations greater than 390,000 and less than 650,000. Three counties currently meet the population criteria as determined by the Office of Financial Management including Clark, Spokane, and Whatcom counties. Beginning July 1, 2010, the restriction on the sale of dishwashing detergent that contains more than 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight is effective statewide.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   78   19
Senate   41   7   (Senate amended)
House   79   18   (House concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006