SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5195

BYSenate Committee on Agriculture (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Hansen, Talmadge, Williams, Conner, Rasmussen, Gaspard, Bauer, Warnke, Benitz and Lee; by request of Governor)

Regarding water use efficiency and conservation.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5195 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Bob Lee (786-7404)

                  March 10, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1988 legislation was enacted which established a multi-interest interim committee to look into ways both instream and major out of stream water can be used more efficiently.  After several meetings during the year, the Water Use Efficiency Committee published a report in late December of 1988 which contains a large number and range of concepts.  Some of the ideas and concepts were modified and prepared into legislation at the request of the Governor's office.

SUMMARY:

In addition to traditional development approaches, improved water use efficiency and conservation shall be emphasized and in some cases will be a potential new source of water to meet future needs.  The benefits and costs of improved efficiency should be taken into account when the Department of Ecology takes action to reduce wasteful practices.

The terms "waste" and "water use efficiency" are defined.  Increased water use efficiency including water storage and waste water recycling should receive consideration as potential sources of water in state and local planning processes.  The benefits resulting from new storage projects are to receive consideration.

Entities receiving state financial assistance for water supply or water quality improvements should develop and implement a cost-effective water use efficiency and conservation element in a water supply plan.  Public funding should be directed to projects with the greater public benefit.  Transfers of water and water rights should be encouraged if consistent with the public interest.  Efforts to improve efficiency should be focused in areas that are over appropriated and where projected need exceeds supplies.  Reuse of grey water should be allowed consistent with protection of public health and water quality. 

The Department of Ecology may require metering of new diversions and wells.

The State Building Code Council is to phase in efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures which are to be no more restrictive than the following examples measured in gallons per minute or gallons per flush:

!tp1,4,2,2,2 !tj1!tlJuly 1990!tlJuly 1993

!tlFaucets !tl3.0 gpm !tl2.5 gpm

!tlShower Heads !tl3.0 gpm !tl2.5 gpm

!tlToilets !tl3.5 gpf !tl1.6 gpf

In setting the guidelines, the Building Code Council shall take into account the availability of fixtures which are technologically feasible and economically justified.  Also the council is to assess the potential impact on necessary flow or water required to insure that sewer lines and treatment plants will operate effectively.

Sewer plans submitted to the Department of Ecology shall include a discussion of water conservation measures considered or underway on public sewer service.

The Department of Ecology, in consultation with the Soil Conservation Service and Cooperative Extension are to develop guidelines for crop water requirements to be used for the purpose of water conservation funding, water right transfers and issuance of new water rights.

The department is also to determine the feasibility of developing guidelines for conveyance efficiency and report to the Legislature by July 1, 1991.

The Department of Ecology may establish a task force to conduct an evaluation of irrigated areas to establish a list of basins and stream efficiency initiatives and select an area for a voluntary demonstration conservation program.

The Departments of Ecology and Social and Health Services are to adopt rules to:  (1) establish guidelines for plans to improve water use efficiency by entities supplying water to the public; (2) provide funds for development of efficiency plans; (3) develop criteria for grey water reuse.

The Department of Social and Health Services is to adopt procedures and guidelines relating to water use efficiency and conservation.  Such guidelines are not to infringe on rate-making prerogatives of any local entity.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Kaleen Cottingham, Governor's Office (pro); Mark Triplett, Building Industry Association; John Kirner, City of Tacoma Water Division (pro); Bob Wubbena (pro); Tom Mortimer PUD Association (pro); Elizabeth Tabbutt WEC (pro); Jeanne Dickman, WSWRA (pro); Hedia Adelson, Ecology (pro)