BILL REQ. #:  S-0123.4 

Read first time 01/18/2005.   Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.

     AN ACT Relating to a water policy pilot project in the Methow river basin; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that a recent United States geological survey of hydrology in the Methow river basin determined that the artificial recharge of Twin Lakes aquifer and surface waters would likely provide environmental benefits to the Methow river during critical periods of low flow. The legislature also finds that a department of ecology funded assessment indicates that a significant portion of the current decline in aquifer levels in the Twin Lakes basin is the result of irrigation transportation efficiencies implemented by Wolf Creek reclamation district. The legislature therefore intends that a pilot project be conducted to determine the best approach to restore aquifer levels, and the associated environmental benefits, and to study the potential role of artificial recharge in meeting the existing needs of people and the environment in the Methow river basin by temporarily putting water into Barnsley and Big Twin Lakes and the aquifer in continuity with the lakes.
     (2) The legislature directs the department of ecology, in cooperation with the United States geological survey and the bureau of reclamation, to conduct a Twin Lakes restoration pilot project and to make diligent efforts to: (a) Locate the most appropriate source or sources of water; (b) utilize appropriate water right mechanisms to permit the temporary use of that water; (c) restore Barnsley and Twin Lakes surface waters and the aquifer in continuity with the lakes to an elevation of one thousand seven hundred ninety-six feet (up to but not exceeding the dead tree line) utilizing methods such as ground water injection and direct introduction of water into Barnsley and Big Twin Lakes; (d) maintain such levels, with a fluctuation of no more than two feet below the prescribed elevation; and (e) measure and study the resulting hydrological effects of such a recharge within the Methow river basin and the Twin Lakes basin.
     (3) Before December 1, 2005, and December 1, 2006, the department of ecology shall provide reports to the appropriate legislative committees summarizing the progress of the pilot project. Before June 30, 2007, the department of ecology shall provide a report of hydrological findings to the appropriate legislative committees.
     (4) Temporary water right permits issued for the Twin Lakes restoration pilot project terminate June 30, 2007, or upon the department of ecology's issuance or denial of a permanent water right for Twin Lakes restoration, whichever occurs first.