Brief Description: Concerning the use of reclaimed water.

Sponsors: Representative Linville.

Hearing Date: 1/18/06

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

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 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. The Departments of Health and Ecology were required to adopt a single set of standards, procedures, and guidelines for industrial and commercial uses and land applications of reclaimed water. These standards were adopted in the mid-1990's, and resulted from consultation with an advisory committee of interested stakeholders.

Summary of Bill:

By the end of 2010, the Department of Ecology is required to adopt rules for reclaimed water use. These rules must be adopted in coordination with the Department of Health, and in consultation with an advisory committee made up of interested stakeholders.

The rules must address all aspects of reclaimed water use, including industrial uses, surface percolation, and stream flow augmentation. Two interim progress reports must be delivered to the Legislature prior to the final adoption in 2010.

Upon final adoption, the roles played by the Department of Health in the management and regulation of reclaimed water will be conditional on the outcome of the rules adopted by the Department of Ecology. The Department of Health's new roles will be defined by the adopted rules.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2006.

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