| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Local Government Committee | |
HB 1239
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions affecting water supply comprehensive plans.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Curtis and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/07
Staff: Jessica Nowakowski (786-7291).
Background:
Overview of Water-Sewer District Functions
Water-sewer districts (districts) provide water and sewer services to incorporated and
unincorporated areas. Districts are established through a petition, public hearing, and voter
approval process and are each managed by a board of three or five elected commissioners who
serve staggered six-year terms. Two hundred and nine districts can be found throughout
Washington.
Water-sewer district commissioners (commissioners) must evaluate the present and future needs
of systems in their area and determine a long-term plan for financing construction, repairs, and
other projects, including the creation of local improvement districts or utility local improvement
districts. Commissioners must also determine whether the whole or part of the cost and expenses
incurred for repairs and projects should be paid from revenue or general obligation bonds.
General Comprehensive Plans By Water-Sewer Districts
Commissioners must evaluate certain water-sewer systems in order to create a general
comprehensive plan. These systems include: water supply systems, sewer systems, drainage
systems, and street lighting systems. Before ordering any improvements or submitting to vote
any propositions for incurring any indebtedness, a general comprehensive plan must be adopted
by the commission for the type or types of facilities the district proposes to provide. A district
may prepare a separate general comprehensive plan for each of these services or combine any of
the plans into a single general comprehensive plan. The commissioners may employ engineers
and legal services to complete the requirements.
In order to receive approval, a water-sewer district comprehensive plan must meet Growth
Management requirements and be approved by:
Comprehensive Planning for Water Supply Systems
A water-sewer district must determine a general system or plan for acquiring an adequate water
supply, including the lands, waters, water rights, and easements needed for a water supply
system. A water supply system must also include a plan for retaining and storing any such
waters including the construction of:
State Board of Health Requirements for Water Systems
The State Board of Health (Board) must approve the water system plan of a public water system.
In doing so, the Board must ensure that water service will be provided under plans for any new
industrial, commercial or residential use. The comprehensive plans must remain consistent with
Growth Management Act planning requirements or any other applicable comprehensive plan,
land use plan, or development regulation adopted by a city, town, or county for the service area.
The Board must ensure that a municipal water supplier provides retail water service within its
retail service area if:
Summary of Bill:
A district's comprehensive water system plan must be consistent with the water system
requirements of the State Board of Health before such plans may be implemented. In addition, a
jurisdiction in which a water district is located is required to review the district's comprehensive
plan for a water supply system for consistency with its comprehensive plan, development
regulations, Growth Management Act requirements, and the water supply system requirements
of the State Board of Health.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.