SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6579

BYSenators Barr, Hansen, Talmadge, Kreidler and Metcalf

Providing for model water use plans.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1988

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The water resources of the state are becoming scarce as the demand for the use of water increases.  As the supply of available water diminishes, it will become important for all user groups to understand the extent of the water resources in this state, the current demand on the resources, the priorities of the use, and the conservation of and efficient use of the resources. Currently the Department of Ecology is required under RCW 90.54.030 to collect information on water resources of the state, to determine existing and foreseeable uses of water resources, and determine alternate courses of action to solve existing and foreseeable problems of the water resources.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology is to evaluate, and recommend means of making consistent, the terminology and methodology of water use and measurement currently allowed or required by law.  The state Building Code Council is to adopt rules revising the state plumbing code for the purpose of achieving maximum water conservation in plumbing fixtures.

The Department of Ecology is to develop model conservation programs on water use in the areas of municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation and other off-stream uses, and in instream programs. A user group committee, appointed by the Director of the Department of Ecology, will advise the Department in developing the model program.

The Department of Social and Health Services will develop water conservation elements for water systems adopted by the state Board of Health.  The Department of Ecology will adopt by rule a water conservation program for sewer plans submitted by governmental agencies.  "Conservation" is defined.

The Department of Ecology will prepare annually and submit to the Legislature the water use availability in each county of the state.  The report must include a list of all valid water rights, an aggregate total water use by user category, and an inventory of available water resources and allocated water rights.

Appropriation:    $500,000 from the emergency water project revolving account

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 25, 1988