Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1179
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: Requiring a permit to use public groundwaters to water a lawn.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Williams and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339)
Background:
The Ground Water Code was enacted in 1945. In general, it requires a water right permit for any new withdrawal of ground water after June 6, 1945. However, in addition to "grandfathering" ground water rights in existence before its enactment, the 1945 code also exempted certain new withdrawals from this permit requirement. The code states that a permit is not required for (1) any withdrawal of public ground waters for stock-watering purposes, (2) for the watering of a lawn or of a non-commercial garden not exceeding one-half acre in area, (3) for single or group domestic uses in an amount not exceeding 5,000 gallons a day, or (4) for an industrial purpose in an amount not exceeding 5,000 gallons a day.
Summary of Bill:
Groundwater from an exempt permit well cannot be used for watering a lawn.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.