SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6380

BYSenators Barr, Talmadge, Metcalf, Benitz, Moore, Zimmerman, Hansen, Bailey, Gaspard and Kreidler; by request of Governor

Providing for a water use efficiency study.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6380 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to the Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Halsan, Hansen, Rinehart.

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1988; February 4, 1988

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

                  February 4, 1988

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 8, 1988

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6380 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Deccio, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Moore, Newhouse, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Chuck Langen (786-7715)

                  February 9, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 8, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The western United States is quickly approaching the time when there will be no water to tap.  As the demand for water increases, users are studying ways to increase the supply from existing water rights.  This new supply is generated from conservation efforts and efficient use of the existing resources.  Several states and organizations, including the Western Governor's Association and the Bureau of Reclamation, are studying the efficient use of water resources as a means of augmenting the supply.  Water efficiency not only includes conservation efforts, but includes the equitable and reasonable means of marketing water for the highest and best use.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology is directed to carry out a comprehensive study of water use efficiency.  As part of the study, the department will review other state legislation and the recommendations of the Western Governor's Association, identify incentives and disincentives for efficient water use, identify and evaluate alternatives for increasing water use efficiency, and identify and recommend to the administration and the Legislature a program and any needed changes in laws to facilitate improved water use efficiency.

The department will appoint an advisory committee of legislative committees, agencies, the Office of the Governor, Indian tribes and interest groups to assist the department in the study.  The department is to complete the study and provide a final report to the Legislature by December 1, 1989.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED AGRICULTURE SUBSTITUTE:

The water use efficiency study is to be conducted and completed by a committee comprised of a specific number of representatives from the Legislature and from several interest groups.  The Department of Ecology will staff the committee.  The study is not to be based on the theory that the efficient use of water is the only means of creating new water, as water storage facilities may also be an appropriate means of creating new water.  The committee may use model programs in identifying recommended approaches for improving water use efficiency in municipal and industrial water supply uses, irrigated agriculture and other out-of-stream uses, and instream uses.

The committee is to report to the Legislature on or before December 31, 1988, and only upon legislative enactment of enabling legislation may the department adopt rules or regulations based on the committee's recommendations. Nothing in the study is to effect existing water rights.  An emergency clause is set forth.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED WAYS & MEANS SUBSTITUTE:

Representatives of private power are added to the committee. Nongovernmental representatives on the committee may be reimbursed for travel.  The appropriation is removed and the entire act expires on June 30, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Members of the Legislature shall be appointed to the committee, one from each political party in the House appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one from each political party in the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate.

Senate Committee - Testified: AGRICULTURE:  Senator Phil Talmadge; Hedia Adelsman, Department of Ecology (for); Bob Lee, Department of Agriculture (for); Lloyd Warren, Washington Water Utilities Council; Judy Turpin, Washington Environmental Council (for); John Kirner, City of Tacoma; Mary Burke, Individual; Al Dietemann, Seattle Water Department; Jeff Dunning, Ellensburg Water Company; Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Senator Barr (for)