SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6502

BYSenators Barr, Gaspard and Hansen

Directing development of rules and plans for implementation of water reuse and recycling options.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1990; January 25, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6502 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Bob Lee (786-7404)

                  January 30, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, JANUARY 25, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Water use efficiency legislation passed during the 1989 session.  The Department of Health was directed to (1) develop procedures and guidelines relating to water use efficiency which shall be included in the development and approval of cost efficient water system plans required under the State Health Board regulations; (2) develop criteria to encourage cost-effective reuse of grey water and other water recycling practices that protect the public health and water quality; and (3) provide assistance upon request in developing model rate setting formulas.

Implementation of this section of the legislation was made contingent upon availability of funds but no funds were made available.  This year's supplemental budget request recommends an additional $170,000 in funds solely to develop criteria for grey water reuse and other water recycling practices.

SUMMARY:

A deadline of January 1991 is established for the Department of Health to develop criteria on reuse of grey water and other water recycling practices.  By July 1992 the Department of Health will adopt rules that require class I water systems, to assess and develop plans for implementation of cost-effective water reuse and recycling options.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The requirement that the Department of Health conduct certain water use efficiency actions is limited to developing criteria for water reuse options.  The other activities of the department continue to be dependent on the availability of funds.

The State Board of Health is to adopt rules that establish water system planning requirements for assessing cost effective water reuse and recycling options.  Greater flexibility is provided to the State Board of Health for determining when plans to implement cost-effective options should be developed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 15, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: John C. Kirner, Washington Water Utilities Council (pro); Eric Slagle, Department of Health (pro)