5836-S AMS .... XXXX 002

SSB 5836 - S AMD 221

By Senator Chase

NOT CONSIDERED

    On page 1, after line 3, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that local government should be provided greater certainty regarding the legal availability  of water supplies when reviewing proposed subdivisions and when issuing building permits.  The legislature further finds that the physical availability of such water supplies is also critically important and that increased use of withdrawals from permit-exempt wells can lead to increased uncertainty regarding the condition of ground water sources and the potential upon other users.  Therefore it is the intent of this act to provide greater certainty for local governments in making water resource decisions by clarifying the subdivision and building permit provisions of law regarding the use of permit-exempt wells, and providing a policy of sustainable use of ground water resources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 90.44 RCW to read as follows:

    The groundwaters of the state shall be managed sustainably so that both the quantity and quality is maintained and protected for both present and future generations.  In all aspects of water resource management, withdrawals that would deplete a groundwater source to an extent that it would jeopardize the long-term yield and uses from that source shall be discouraged."

Renumber sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT:  Provides legislative findings and intent regarding certainty in local government water resource decisions and provides for a policy of sustainable management of ground water resources for present and future generations.   

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