| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 1423
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: Concerning small rainwater collection facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives McCoy, Hunt, VanDeWege and Upthegrove.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/07
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
The Department of Ecology (DOE) permits the appropriation of water for beneficial use.
Construction projects such as building ditches or canals are also permitted through the DOE
[RCW 90.03.250].
Reservoir permits, also known as secondary permits, are also regulated by the DOE. These
permits include the collection of both surface water and underground water sources for use as
part of an underground artificial storage and recovery project [RCW 90.03.370].
Reservoir permits do not include facilities that capture and reuse return flow from irrigation
operations serving a single farm under an existing water right, under the same acreage. Small,
lined irrigation impoundments less than 10 acre-feet in volume are also exempt from reservoir
permits [RCW 90.03.370].
Summary of Bill:
The collection of less than 300 gallons of rainwater on a single residential property is exempt
from requiring a permit from the DOE if the water is intended to be put to beneficial use on the
property.
A water right is not required for the use of the water stored in the collection of less than 300
gallons of rainwater.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.