FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1397

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 348 L 89

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Rayburn, Baugher, Nealey, Sprenkle, Doty, Chandler, Beck, Heavey, Haugen, Sayan, Jones, Phillips, Crane, H. Myers, Inslee and Todd;by request of Governor Gardner)

Regarding water use efficiency and conservation.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Rereferred House Committee on Capital Facilities & Financing

Senate Committee on Agriculture

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Ecology administers the state's water resource management laws.  Included among these laws are the surface and groundwater codes and the Water Resources Act of 1971.  The latter establishes the principles that apply to the management of water resources conducted under the water codes.  It applies to water rights issued after its enactment in 1971.

SUMMARY:

Efficiency Encouraged.  The principles listed in the Water Resources Act of 1971 that guide the management of the state's water resources are amended.  In addition to traditional development, improved water use efficiency and conservation must be emphasized.  "Water use efficiency" is defined as being those projects and techniques that result in the saving of water at a cost which is less than the cost of obtaining water from any other source.  In determining cost effectiveness, full consideration must be given to the benefits of water storage.

Entities are encouraged to carry out water use efficiency and conservation programs consistent with the following:  voluntary programs are preferred; water use efficiency should receive consideration in state and local planning processes; entities receiving state financial assistance for construction for expanding water supply must, if cost effective, implement conservation and water use efficiency elements in their plans; and state programs to improve water use efficiency should focus on areas with water supply problems.  Public education programs are encouraged.

Metering.  Measurement by approved methods and reporting may be required as a condition for all new water rights.

State Plumbing Code.  The State Building Code Council must revise the state plumbing code to require low-volume plumbing fixtures for all new construction and for all remodeling or repair that involves the replacement of plumbing fixtures.  The water use standards that must be adopted are specified and the implementing code must take effect on July 1, 1990.  More stringent plumbing code revisions must take effect July 1, 1993.  Local governments may not amend these standards.  The council must report to the Legislature by October 30, 1992, regarding the availability of water efficient fixtures and the potential impact of their use on sewerage and septic lines and treatment plants.  Sewer plans must include a discussion of water conservation measures and their impact on sewer services.

Irrigated Areas - Evaluation, Assessment, & Demonstration Plan.  The Department of Ecology must conduct a statewide evaluation of irrigated areas regarding efficiency opportunities and impacts and local interest.  The department, and any task force appointed to assist the department, must select an area for a voluntary demonstration project.  An extensive area-specific conservation assessment must be conducted for the area.  Subsequently, the department and a conservation plan formulation committee must jointly develop a demonstration conservation plan for the area.  Before the assessment is made or the plan is developed, the department must secure technical and financial assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The Department of Social and Health Services must, if funding is available:  develop procedures and guidelines regarding water use efficiency to be included in the development and approval of water system plans required by the State Board of Health; develop criteria for encouraging the reuse of greywater, consistent with the protection of public health and water quality; and provide advice and technical assistance upon request.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 94   0

      Senate    47     0 (Senate amended)

      House 96   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  The provisions of the bill defining "water use efficiency" and "greywater" are vetoed.  (See VETO MESSAGE)