SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5901

As of February 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to eliminating certain restrictions on water system interties.

Brief Description:  Eliminating certain restrictions on water system interties.

Sponsors:  Senators B. Sheldon, Hale, Oke, Morton, Honeyford, Eide and T. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/23/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786‑7488)

Background:  Interconnections between public water systems ("interties") for the purpose of exchanging or delivering water to achieve better management of public water supply are currently allowed by law, to the extent they are consistent with the systems' water right permits, certificates, or registered claims and with existing rights and obligations.  Interties can be used for primary or secondary sources of supply, but not for development of new sources of supply to meet future demand.

Summary of Bill:  The prohibition against using interties for development of new sources of supply to meet future demand is removed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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