SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6003

BYSenator Hansen

Changing provisions relating to nonrelinquishment of water rights.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard.

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

                  April 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 16, 1987

BACKGROUND:

If someone entitled to water fails to beneficially use the water for five successive years, such water may revert to the state.  The person shall be given notice of a hearing at which he or she may show sufficient cause why the right should not be declared relinquished.

The Water Right Registration Act of 1967 declared several instances when water nonuse does not result in relinquishment.  One of those exemptions covers waters not subject to appropriation because the U.S. Department of Interior has notified the state that pursuant to the reclamation laws, it intends to investigate the use of such waters for reclamation purposes.

SUMMARY:

The exemption from nonrelinquishment includes federal projects commenced with water withdrawn from state appropriation unless or until such projects are declared completed or abandoned by the United States.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Declares that the withdrawal of water from appropriation applies specifically to the Columbia Basin Project.  A title reference is corrected.