Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2468
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 the metering of permit exempt wells.
Sponsors: Representatives Van De Wege, Chase and Warnick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/10
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
A water right 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.
The Department of Ecology (DOE) has the authority to require the person or agency making any withdrawals from an exempt well to furnish information as to the means for and the quantity of that withdrawal.
Summary of Bill:
Permit exempt wells constructed prior to the effective date of this Act, which are used for single or group domestic purposes and withdraw 5,000 gallons a day or less, are not required to be metered by the DOE.
All permit exempt wells where the DOE required metering prior to the effective date of this Act may continue to be metered.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.