BILL REQ. #:  H-2001.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/13/07.   

     AN ACT Relating to aquifer conservation zones in qualifying island cities without access to potable water sources outside their jurisdiction; and adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any city coterminous with, and comprised only of, an island that relies solely on groundwater aquifers for its potable water source and does not have reasonable access to a potable water source outside its jurisdiction may designate one or more aquifer conservation zones.
     Aquifer conservation zones may only be designated for the purpose of conserving and protecting potable water sources.
     (2) Aquifer conservation zones may not be considered critical areas under this chapter except to the extent that specific areas located within aquifer conservation zones qualify for critical area designation and have been designated as such under RCW 36.70A.060(2).
     (3) Any city may consider whether an area is within an aquifer conservation zone when determining the residential density of that particular area. The residential densities within conservation zones, in combination with other densities of the city, must be sufficient to accommodate projected population growth under RCW 36.70A.110.
     (4) Nothing in this section may be construed to modify the population accommodation obligations required of jurisdictions under this chapter.