SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2932

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives K. Wilson, Miller, Baugher, Smith, Doty, Valle, Hine and R. Fisher) 

Providing for regional water resource planning.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Ed Dee (786-7449)

                  February 21, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FEBRUARY 20, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Ecology administers the state's water resource management laws.  Included among these is the Water Resources Act of 1971.  It requires quality of the natural environment of the state to be protected and, where possible, enhanced.  Water allocation shall be based on securing the maximum net benefits for the people of the state.  The act also requires the department to develop and implement a comprehensive state water resources program and a process for making decisions on future allocation and use.  The department is further required to collect existing water resource information and develop additional data necessary for the comprehensive program.

The department has lacked the resources needed to implement a comprehensive water resources program.  Meanwhile, population growth and economic development have significantly increased the competition for limited water supplies.  This has heightened concerns for adequate water supplies to protect instream resources and values while meeting out-of-stream needs.

SUMMARY:

Findings/Intent:  Growth has created increasing demands on limited water resources.  Adequate water supplies are essential to meet the needs of a growing population and to protect instream resources and values.  Comprehensive planning involving the state, tribes, local government, and interested parties is essential.  Diverse conditions and needs across the state require regional water resource planning.  A water resource data program is needed to support the planning efforts.  The Legislature intends to work closely with all parties to ensure water resource planning and management in the public interest.

Data Management:  The Department of Ecology must develop a comprehensive water resource data program that includes an information management plan and a resource inventory and needs assessment.  The department must establish a task force to provide advice and recommendations regarding the information management plan and to conduct the inventory and needs assessment.

Planning Process:  The Department of Ecology must work with Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties to develop a water resource planning process to be implemented on a regional basis.  The department must identify regions and designate two pilot regions in which the process will be initiated.  Annual reports to the Legislature are required to summarize progress in the pilot regions and provide a plan for implementation across the state.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

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

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Improved management of peak and flood flows is included as a way in which comprehensive planning can make possible the more efficient use of available water supplies.  The data management task force must advise the Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy.  The emergency clause is deleted and a null and void clause is substituted.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one