HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1164

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                    Agriculture & Ecology

Title:  An act relating to revising the definition of public water system to include systems providing water through constructed conveyances, in conformance with federal law.

Brief Description:  Changing the definition of public water system.

Sponsors:  Representatives G. Chandler, Linville, Koster and Cooper; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Ecology:  1/29/99, 2/4/99 [DP].

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$  The state definition for a public water system is made consistent with federal law.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 14 members:  Representatives G. Chandler, Republican Co-Chair; Linville, Democratic Co-Chair; Cooper, Democratic Vice Chair; Koster, Republican Vice Chair; Anderson; B. Chandler; Delvin; Fortunato; Grant; Reardon; Schoesler; Stensen; Sump and Wood.

  Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

Background:

The Department of Health is responsible for administering a drinking water program consistent with the requirements of  the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.   The current state definition of a "public water system" is inconsistent with the federal definition.  Under the state definition, a public water system means a system providing piped water for human consumption.  The federal law was recently amended to include water provided through other constructed conveyances for human consumption.  State laws implementing the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act are required to be at least as stringent as the federal law.

Summary of Bill:

The definition of a public water system for purposes of regulation of drinking water is amended to be consistent with the definition used in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.  A "public water system" includes a system where water is provided for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The Federal Environmental Protection Agency requires the state to use definitions consistent with federal law.  This enables the state to impose sanctions under state law when someone commits a violation.  Although a number of irrigation districts provide drinking water, none of them furnish it through open ditches.

Testimony Against:  The bill does not prohibit fluoridation of water.  Fluoride in water can produce many health problems.

Testified:  (In Support) Dave Monthie, Department of Health; Mike Schwisow, Washington State Water Resources Association.

  (Opposed) Joseph Hattersley, citizen.