BILL REQ. #:  S-1764.4 

Read first time 02/23/2007.   Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications.

     AN ACT Relating to reclaimed water; amending RCW 90.46.005, 90.46.120, 90.46.130, 90.82.043, 90.54.020, and 90.54.180; amending 2006 c 279 s 3 (uncodified); adding a new section to chapter 58.17 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 90.46 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) Since the 1992 enactment of the reclaimed water act, the value of reclaimed water as a new source of supply has received increasing recognition across the state and across the nation. New information on the topics in this section has increased awareness of the need to better manage, protect, and conserve water resources and to use reclaimed water in that process. The legislature now finds the following:
     (a) Global warming and climate change. Global warming has reduced the volume of glaciers in the North Cascade mountains to between eighteen to thirty-two percent since 1983, and up to seventy-five percent of the glaciers are at risk of disappearing under projected temperatures for this century. Mountain snow pack has declined at virtually every measurement location in the Pacific Northwest, reducing the proportion of annual river flow to Puget Sound during summer months by eighteen percent since 1948. Global warming has also shifted peak stream flows earlier in the year in watersheds covering much of Washington state, including the Columbia river basin, jeopardizing the state's salmon fisheries. The state's recent report on the economic impacts of climate change indicate that water resources will be one of the areas most affected, and that many utilities may need to invest major resources in new supply and conservation measures. Developing and implementing adaptation strategies, such as water conservation that includes the use of reclaimed water, can extend existing water supply systems to help address the global warming impacts. In particular, because reclaimed water uses existing sources of supply and fairly constant base flows of wastewater, it has year-round dependability, without regard to any given year's climate variability. This is particularly important during summer months, when outdoor demands peak and stream flows are critical for fish.
     (b) Puget Sound. The governor has initiated a Puget Sound partnership, with a request for an initial strategy to address high priority problems. In December, the partnership delivered a strategy that includes expanded use of reclaimed water both in order to improve the Puget Sound's water quality by reducing wastewater discharges and by replacing current sources of supply for nonpotable uses that detrimentally affect stream flows and habitat.
     (c) Salmon recovery. The federal fisheries services recently approved a salmon recovery plan for the Puget Sound, which was developed across multiple watersheds by numerous local governments, tribal governments, and other parties to achieve sustainable populations of salmon and other species. That plan includes an adaptive management component where continued efforts will be made to address issues, including problems with instream flows, identified as a limiting factor in virtually all the watersheds, through strategies that will be developed by regional and watershed implementation groups. A potentially significant strategy may be the substitution of reclaimed water for nonpotable uses where it will benefit streams and habitat.
     (d) Water quality. Increasingly stringent federal standards for water quality are forcing a number of communities to develop strategies for wastewater treatment that, in addition to providing higher treatment levels, will reduce the quantity of discharges. For many of those communities, facilities to produce reclaimed water will be a necessary approach to achieve both water quality and water supply objectives.
     (e) Watershed plans. Under the watershed planning act of 1997, approximately two-thirds of the watersheds in the state have used a bottoms-up approach to developing collaborative plans for meeting future water supply needs. Many of those plans include the use of reclaimed water for meeting those needs.
     (f) Columbia river water management. Pursuant to legislation and funding provided in 2006, federal, state, and local governments and agencies, along with tribal governments, user groups, environmental organizations, and others are developing a comprehensive strategy for the mainstem Columbia that will ensure supplies for future growth while protecting stream flows and fish habitat. The strategy will include multiple tools that may include the potential development of new storage, conservation measures, and water use efficiency. One pathway toward conservation and efficiency is likely to be identification and implementation of reclaimed water opportunities.
     (g) Development schedule. The time frame required to plan, design, construct, and begin use of reclaimed water can be extensive due to the public information and acceptance efforts required in addition to planning, design, and environmental assessment required for infrastructure projects. This extended time frame necessitates the initiation of reclaimed water projects as soon as possible.
     (2) It is therefore the intent of the legislature to:
     (a) Effectuate and reinvigorate the original intent behind the reclaimed water act to expand the use of reclaimed water for nonpotable uses throughout the state;
     (b) Restate and emphasize the use of reclaimed water as a matter of water resource management policy;
     (c) Address current barriers to the use of reclaimed water, where changes in state law will resolve such issues;
     (d) Develop information from the state agencies responsible for promoting the use of reclaimed water and address regulatory, financial, planning, and other barriers to the expanded use of reclaimed water, relying on state agency expertise and experience with reclaimed water;
     (e) Facilitate achieving state, regional, and local objectives through use of reclaimed water for water supply purposes in high priority areas of the state, and in regional and local watershed and water planning;
     (f) Provide planning tools to local governments to incorporate reclaimed water and related water conservation into land use plans, consistent with water planning;
     (g) Expand the scope of work of the advisory committee established under chapter 279, Laws of 2006 to identify other reclaimed water issues that should be addressed; and
     (h) Provide initial funding, and evaluate options for providing additional direct state funding, for reclaimed water projects.

Sec. 2   RCW 90.46.005 and 2001 c 69 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that by encouraging the use of reclaimed water while assuring the health and safety of all Washington citizens and the protection of its environment, the state of Washington will continue to use water in the best interests of present and future generations.
     To facilitate the immediate use of reclaimed water ((as soon as is practicable, the legislature encourages the cooperative efforts of the public and private sectors and the use of pilot projects)) the state shall expand both direct financial support and financial incentives for capital investments in water reuse and reclaimed water to effectuate the goals of this chapter. The legislature further directs the department of health and the department of ecology to coordinate efforts towards developing an efficient and streamlined process for creating and implementing processes for the use of reclaimed water.
     It is hereby declared that the people of the state of Washington have a primary interest in the development of facilities to provide reclaimed water to replace potable water in nonpotable applications, to supplement existing surface and ground water supplies and instream flows, and to assist in meeting the future water requirements of the state.
     The legislature further finds and declares that the utilization of reclaimed water by local communities for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and fish and wildlife habitat creation and enhancement purposes, including wetland enhancement, will contribute to the peace, health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington. To the extent reclaimed water is appropriate for beneficial uses, it should be so used to preserve potable water for drinking purposes and to mitigate impacts of withdrawals of water for drinking purposes, contribute to the restoration and protection of instream flows that are crucial to preservation of the state's salmonid fishery resources, contribute to the restoration of Puget Sound by reducing wastewater discharge, provide a drought resistant source of water supply for nonpotable needs, and be a source of supply integrated into state, regional, and local strategies to respond to population growth and global warming. Use of reclaimed water constitutes the development of new basic water supplies needed for future generations and local and regional water management planning should consider coordination of infrastructure, development, storage, water reclamation and reuse, and source exchange as strategies to meet water demands associated with population growth and impacts of global warming.
     The legislature further finds and declares that the use of reclaimed water is not inconsistent with the policy of antidegradation of state waters announced in other state statutes, including the water pollution control act, chapter 90.48 RCW and the water resources act, chapter 90.54 RCW.
     The legislature finds that other states, including California, Florida, and Arizona, have successfully used reclaimed water to supplement existing water supplies without threatening existing resources or public health.
     It is the intent of the legislature that the department of ecology and the department of health undertake the necessary steps to encourage the development of water reclamation facilities so that reclaimed water may be made available to help meet the growing water requirements of the state.
     The legislature further finds and declares that reclaimed water facilities are water pollution control facilities as defined in chapter 70.146 RCW and are eligible for financial assistance as provided in chapter 70.146 RCW. The legislature finds that funding demonstration projects will ensure the future use of reclaimed water. The demonstration projects in RCW 90.46.110 are varied in nature and will provide the experience necessary to test different facets of the standards and refine a variety of technologies so that water purveyors can begin to use reclaimed water technology in a more cost-effective manner. This is especially critical in smaller cities and communities where the feasibility for such projects is great, but there are scarce resources to develop the necessary facilities.
     The legislature further finds that the agricultural processing industry can play a critical and beneficial role in promoting the efficient use of water by having the opportunity to develop and reuse agricultural industrial process water from food processing.
     To effectuate the goals of this chapter, the legislature finds that if there is ambiguity within this chapter, or between this chapter and other provisions of law regarding the use of reclaimed water, such ambiguities should be resolved in favor of an interpretation that will lead to expanded use of reclaimed water.

Sec. 3   RCW 90.46.120 and 2003 1st sp.s. c 5 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The owner of a wastewater treatment facility that is reclaiming water with a permit issued under this chapter has the exclusive right to any reclaimed water generated by the wastewater treatment facility. Use ((and)), distribution, and the recovery of ((the)) reclaimed water used to recharge aquifers by the owner of the wastewater treatment facility is exempt from the permit requirements of RCW 90.03.250 and 90.44.060. Revenues derived from the reclaimed water facility shall be used only to offset the cost of operation of the wastewater utility fund or other applicable source of system-wide funding.
     (2) If the proposed use or uses of reclaimed water are intended to augment or replace potable water supplies or create the potential for the development of additional potable water supplies, such use or uses shall be considered in the development of ((the)) any regional water supply plan or plans addressing potable water supply service by multiple water purveyors. Such water supply plans include plans developed by multiple jurisdictions under the relevant provisions of chapters 43.20, 70.116, 90.44, and 90.82 RCW, and the water supply provisions under the utility element of chapter 36.70A RCW. The owner of a wastewater treatment facility that proposes to reclaim water shall be included as a participant in the development of such regional water supply plan or plans.
     (3) Where opportunities for the use of reclaimed water exist within the period of time addressed by a water system plan, a water supply plan, or a coordinated water system plan developed under chapters 43.20 ((or)), 70.116, 90.44, and 90.82 RCW, and the water supply provisions under the utility element of chapter 36.70A RCW, these plans must be developed and coordinated to ensure that opportunities for reclaimed water are evaluated. The requirements of this subsection (3) do not apply to water system plans developed under chapter 43.20 RCW for utilities serving less than one thousand service connections.

Sec. 4   RCW 90.46.130 and 2002 c 329 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, facilities that reclaim water under this chapter shall not impair any existing water right downstream from any freshwater discharge points of such facilities unless there is compensation or mitigation for such impairment ((is agreed to by the holder of the affected water right)). For purposes of this section, the legislature finds that there is no impairment in certain circumstances including, but not limited to, the following: (i) There is recovery and use of reclaimed water in lieu of discharge of wastewater, which leads to return flows to the water body in substantially the same manner or location as a wastewater discharge previously authorized by a national pollutant discharge elimination system wastewater discharge permit or state permit; (ii) there is recovery and use of reclaimed water in lieu of the discharge of wastewater into marine water; (iii) there is discharge of reclaimed water into marine water; or (iv) the reclaimed water facility or project is part of a new or expanded wastewater treatment facility that replaces one or more on-site septic facilities.
     (b) Nothing in this section may be construed as affecting or diminishing (i) the right to use reclaimed water or (ii) the exemption from water right permit requirements provided to the owner of the wastewater treatment facility in RCW 90.46.120. Further, nothing in this section may be construed as affecting or diminishing the ability of the owner of a wastewater treatment facility to modify its facilities or discharges in order to comply with state or federal water quality standards or permit requirements under chapter 90.48 RCW.
     (2) Agricultural water use of agricultural industrial process water and use of industrial reuse water under this chapter shall not impair existing water rights within the water source that is the source of supply for the agricultural processing plant or the industrial processing and, if the water source is surface water, the existing water rights are downstream from the agricultural processing plant's discharge points existing on July 22, 2001, or from the industrial processing's discharge points existing on June 13, 2002.
     (3) For purposes of determining a claim of impairment under subsection (1)(a) of this section, of a downstream water right existing August 18, 2007, the applicant for a reclaimed water permit shall publish notice of an application for a permit for a reclaimed water facility in the same manner as provided for in RCW 90.48.170. If the department receives a claim of impairment, the department shall investigate the claim of impairment and issue a written decision within one hundred eighty days that shall be appealable by any party pursuant to RCW 43.21B.310. This section shall not be construed as exempting a reclaimed water project from the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW.
     (4) This section shall not be construed as establishing any new right for a downstream water right holder to the continued discharge from an upstream wastewater treatment plant or reclaimed water facility.

Sec. 5   2006 c 279 s 3 (uncodified) is amended to read as follows:
     (1) In order to identify and pursue other measures to facilitate achieving the objectives in RCW 90.46.005 for expanded, appropriate, and safe use of reclaimed water, the department of ecology and the department of health shall provide the legislature with relevant information through periodic progress reports, as provided in this section.
     (2) The department of ecology ((must present)) shall provide interim reports to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2008, ((and)) January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010, that summarize the steps taken to that date towards the final rule making required by ((section 1 of this act)) RCW 90.46.015. The reports ((must)) shall include, at a minimum, a summary of participation in the advisory group ((and)), the topics considered by the department, and issues identified by the advisory group as barriers to expanded use of reclaimed water that may not be addressed within the rules to be adopted by the department.
     (3) Pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the advisory group shall consider the following topics: (a) A review of the actions taken to date by the departments on reclaimed water permit requests or projects proposed to the departments, with an explanation from the departments of the requirements that have been placed on such applications or proposed projects; and (b) significant barriers to expanded use of reclaimed water, including: (i) Any confused, conflicting, or ambiguous authorities for each agency; (ii) the likelihood of increased advocacy and promotion of reclaimed water as a water supply and water resource management option if the reclaimed water program were housed within a departmental program focused on water supply and water resource planning objectives, instead of within the department of ecology's water quality program; (iii) inadequate staffing and resources within either or both state agencies, including a brief history of dedicated reclaimed water staffing levels at each agency; and (iv) any perceived unresolved legal issues related to reclaimed water use. Information regarding these topics shall be included in the required interim reports as the topics are considered by the advisory group.

Sec. 6   RCW 90.82.043 and 2003 1st sp.s. c 4 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Within one year of accepting funding under RCW 90.82.040(2)(e), the planning unit must complete a detailed implementation plan. Submittal of a detailed implementation plan to the department is a condition of receiving grants for the second and all subsequent years of the phase four grant.
     (2) Each implementation plan must contain strategies to provide sufficient water for: (a) Production agriculture; (b) commercial, industrial, and residential use; and (c) instream flows. Each implementation plan must contain timelines to achieve these strategies and interim milestones to measure progress.
     (3) The implementation plan must clearly define coordination and oversight responsibilities; any needed interlocal agreements, rules, or ordinances; any needed state or local administrative approvals and permits that must be secured; and specific funding mechanisms.
     (4) In developing the implementation plan, the planning unit must consult with other entities planning in the watershed management area and identify and seek to eliminate any activities or policies that are duplicative or inconsistent.
     (5)(a) By December 1, 2003, and by December 1st of each subsequent year, the director of the department shall report to the appropriate legislative standing committees regarding statutory changes necessary to enable state agency approval or permit decision making needed to implement a plan approved under this chapter.
     (b) Beginning with the December 1, 2007, report, the director shall include in each report the extent to which reclaimed water has been identified in the watershed plans as potential sources or strategies to meet future water needs, and provisions in any watershed implementation plans that discuss barriers to implementation of the water reuse elements of those plans. The department's report shall include an estimate of the potential cost of reclaimed water facilities and identification of potential sources of funding for them.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   (1) By January 1, 2008, the department of health shall file a brief report with the appropriate committees of the legislature on the general status of:
     (a) Development of permit fees for industrial and commercial uses of reclaimed water as required by RCW 90.46.030;
     (b) Development of standards and guidelines for greywater use as required by RCW 90.46.140; and
     (c) Permitting of greywater use by local health officers and plumbing officials in accordance with standards and guidelines developed pursuant to RCW 90.46.140.
     (2) The report shall also identify:
     (a) A general description of the number, type, and location of reclaimed water opportunities included in water supply and coordinated water system plans since 2003, as required by RCW 90.46.140;
     (b) The best information currently available regarding potential public health risks associated with reclaimed water, if any, any known occurrences of any public health incidents associated with reclaimed water use, the approaches to reclaimed water-related public health issues taken in other states, and resource needs of the department to evaluate any known public health risks; and
     (c) A description of a basic public information and public acceptance program necessary to generate public support for the beneficial use of reclaimed water.
     (3) In order to ensure brevity of the report, the department should include references to existing documents, reports, internet sites, and other sources of detailed information on the foregoing issues.

Sec. 8   RCW 90.54.020 and 1997 c 442 s 201 are each amended to read as follows:
     Utilization and management of the waters of the state shall be guided by the following general declaration of fundamentals:
     (1) Uses of water for domestic, stock watering, industrial, commercial, agricultural, irrigation, hydroelectric power production, mining, fish and wildlife maintenance and enhancement, recreational, and thermal power production purposes, and preservation of environmental and aesthetic values, and all other uses compatible with the enjoyment of the public waters of the state, are declared to be beneficial.
     (2) Allocation of waters among potential uses and users shall be based generally on the securing of the maximum net benefits for the people of the state. Maximum net benefits shall constitute total benefits less costs including opportunities lost.
     (3) The quality of the natural environment shall be protected and, where possible, enhanced as follows:
     (a) Perennial rivers and streams of the state shall be retained with base flows necessary to provide for preservation of wildlife, fish, scenic, aesthetic and other environmental values, and navigational values. Lakes and ponds shall be retained substantially in their natural condition. Withdrawals of water which would conflict therewith shall be authorized only in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served.
     (b) Waters of the state shall be of high quality. Regardless of the quality of the waters of the state, all wastes and other materials and substances proposed for entry into said waters shall be provided with all known, available, and reasonable methods of treatment prior to entry. Notwithstanding that standards of quality established for the waters of the state would not be violated, wastes and other materials and substances shall not be allowed to enter such waters which will reduce the existing quality thereof, except in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served. Technology-based effluent limitations or standards for discharges for municipal water treatment plants located on the Chehalis, Columbia, Cowlitz, Lewis, or Skagit river shall be adjusted to reflect credit for substances removed from the plant intake water if:
     (i) The municipality demonstrates that the intake water is drawn from the same body of water into which the discharge is made; and
     (ii) The municipality demonstrates that no violation of receiving water quality standards or appreciable environmental degradation will result.
     (4) The development of multipurpose water storage facilities shall be a high priority for programs of water allocation, planning, management, and efficiency. The department, other state agencies, local governments, and planning units formed under section 107 or 108 of this act shall evaluate the potential for the development of new storage projects and the benefits and effects of storage in reducing damage to stream banks and property, increasing the use of land, providing water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, power generation, and other beneficial uses, and improving stream flow regimes for fisheries and other instream uses.
     (5) Adequate and safe supplies of water shall be preserved and protected in potable condition to satisfy human domestic needs.
     (6) Multiple-purpose impoundment structures are to be preferred over single-purpose structures. Due regard shall be given to means and methods for protection of fishery resources in the planning for and construction of water impoundment structures and other artificial obstructions.
     (7) Federal, state, and local governments, individuals, corporations, groups and other entities shall be encouraged to carry out practices of conservation as they relate to the use of the waters of the state. In addition to traditional development approaches, improved water use efficiency ((and)), conservation, and use of reclaimed water shall be emphasized in the management of the state's water resources and in some cases will be a potential new source of water with which to meet future needs throughout the state.
     (8) Development of water supply systems, whether publicly or privately owned, which provide water to the public generally in regional areas within the state shall be encouraged. Development of water supply systems for multiple domestic use which will not serve the public generally shall be discouraged where water supplies are available from water systems serving the public.
     (9) Full recognition shall be given in the administration of water allocation and use programs to the natural interrelationships of surface and ground waters.
     (10) Expressions of the public interest will be sought at all stages of water planning and allocation discussions.
     (11) Water management programs, including but not limited to, water quality, flood control, drainage, erosion control and storm runoff are deemed to be in the public interest.

Sec. 9   RCW 90.54.180 and 1989 c 348 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     Consistent with the fundamentals of water resource policy set forth in this chapter, state and local governments, individuals, corporations, groups and other entities shall be encouraged to carry out water use efficiency and conservation programs and practices consistent with the following:
     (1) Water efficiency and conservation programs should utilize an appropriate mix of economic incentives, cost share programs, regulatory programs, and technical and public information efforts. Programs which encourage voluntary participation are preferred.
     (2) Increased water use efficiency and reclaimed water should receive consideration as a potential source of water in state and local water resource planning processes. In determining the cost-effectiveness of alternative water sources, consideration should be given to the benefits of conservation, waste water recycling, and impoundment of waters. Where reclaimed water is a feasible replacement source of water, it shall be used by state agencies and state facilities for nonpotable water uses in lieu of the use of potable water. For purposes of this requirement, feasible replacement source means (a) the reclaimed water is of adequate quality and quantity for the proposed use; (b) the proposed use is approved by the departments of ecology and health; (c) the reclaimed water can be reliably supplied by a local public agency or public water system; and (d) the cost of the reclaimed water is reasonable relative to the costs of conservation or other potentially available supplies of potable water, after taking into account all costs and benefits, including environmental costs and benefits.
     (3) In determining the cost-effectiveness of alternative water sources, full consideration should be given to the benefits of storage which can reduce the damage to stream banks and property, increase the utilization of land, provide water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and other beneficial uses, provide for the generation of electric power from renewable resources, and improve stream flow regimes for fishery and other instream uses.
     (4) Entities receiving state financial assistance for construction of water source expansion or acquisition of new sources shall develop, and implement if cost-effective, a water use efficiency and conservation element of a water supply plan pursuant to RCW 43.20.230(1).
     (5) State programs to improve water use efficiency should focus on those areas of the state in which water is overappropriated; areas that experience diminished streamflows or aquifer levels; regional areas that the governor has identified as high priority for investments in improved water quality and quantity, including the Columbia river basin and the Puget Sound; areas most likely to be affected by global warming; and areas where projected water needs, including those for instream flows, exceed available supplies.
     (6) Existing and future generations of citizens of the state of Washington should be made aware of the importance of the state's water resources and the need for wise and efficient use and development of this vital resource. In order to increase this awareness, state agencies should integrate public ((education)) information programs on increasing water use efficiency into existing public information efforts. This effort shall be coordinated with other levels of government, including local governments and Indian tribes.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 10   A new section is added to chapter 58.17 RCW to read as follows:
     In determining whether a proposed short plat, short subdivision, or subdivision meets the requirements for potable water supplies as required under RCW 58.17.060 or 58.17.110, and otherwise serves the public use and interest, the city, town, or county shall require:
     (1) Conformance to any water conservation ordinances or plans adopted by the city, town, or county;
     (2) Use of water conservation measures consistent with any regional watershed plan adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW, or any regional water supply plan as described in RCW 90.46.120; and
     (3) Use of reclaimed water where potable water is not required, if it is consistent with any applicable local ordinance adopted for water reuse or use of reclaimed water.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11   A new section is added to chapter 35.21 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any city or town may adopt a water conservation program by ordinance or other legal authority. This includes ordinances to implement the provisions of any regional watershed plan adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW or any regional water supply plan as described in RCW 90.46.120. Such a program may include, but is not limited to, the following requirements:
     (a) Use of water conservation measures consistent with specific provisions of regional watershed plans adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW;
     (b) Use of water conservation measures that may be in addition to those required by either the department of health or the department of ecology, including landscape irrigation requirements, public fixture retrofit and rebate programs, and commercial and industrial conservation programs;
     (c) Use of any opportunities for using reclaimed water where potable water is not required; and
     (d) Mandatory use of reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses in lieu of the use of potable water where the jurisdiction has determined that reclaimed water is a feasible replacement.
     (2) The provisions of any water conservation program shall be implemented by the city or town through development of any comprehensive plan, development regulations, issuance of permits and other approvals, development of any sewerage or water general plan under RCW 36.94.030, operation of any sewerage or water systems under chapter 36.94 RCW, or as otherwise allowed by law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   A new section is added to chapter 35A.21 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any city or town may adopt a water conservation program by ordinance or other legal authority. This includes ordinances to implement the provisions of any regional watershed plan adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW. Such a program may include, but is not limited to, the following requirements:
     (a) Use of water conservation measures consistent with specific provisions of regional watershed plans adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW or a regional water supply plan as described in RCW 90.46.120;
     (b) Use of water conservation measures that may be in addition to those required by either the department of health or the department of ecology, including landscape irrigation requirements, public fixture retrofit and rebate programs, and commercial and industrial conservation programs;
     (c) Use of any opportunities for using reclaimed water where potable water is not required; and
     (d) Mandatory use of reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses in lieu of the use of potable water where the jurisdiction has determined that reclaimed water is a feasible replacement.
     (2) The provisions of any water conservation program shall be implemented by the city or town through development of any comprehensive plan, development regulations, issuance of permits and other approvals, development of any sewerage or water general plan under RCW 36.94.030, operation of any sewerage or water systems under chapter 36.94 RCW, or as otherwise allowed by law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   A new section is added to chapter 36.01 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any county may adopt a water conservation program by ordinance or other legal authority. This includes ordinances to implement the provisions of any regional watershed plan adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW or a regional water supply plan as described in RCW 90.46.120. Such a program may include, but is not limited to, the following requirements:
     (a) Use of water conservation measures consistent with specific provisions of regional watershed plans adopted under chapter 90.82 RCW;
     (b) Use of water conservation measures that may be in addition to those required by either the department of health or the department of ecology, including landscape irrigation requirements, public fixture retrofit and rebate programs, and commercial and industrial conservation programs;
     (c) Use of any opportunities for using reclaimed water where potable water is not required; and
     (d) Mandatory use of reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses in lieu of the use of potable water where the jurisdiction has determined that reclaimed water is a feasible replacement.
     (2) The provisions of any water conservation program shall be implemented by the county through development of any comprehensive plan, development regulations, issuance of permits and other approvals, development of any sewerage or water general plan under RCW 36.94.030, operation of any sewerage or water systems under chapter 36.94 RCW, or as otherwise allowed by law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14   A new section is added to chapter 90.46 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department of ecology shall establish a task force by July 31, 2007, composed of no more than ten members including a representative from the department of ecology, who shall serve as chair, a representative from the department of health, and representatives from city, county, and water-sewer district utilities, and the environmental and business communities. By January 1, 2008, the task force shall submit to the appropriate legislative committees a recommendation for a long-term dedicated funding program to construct reclaimed water facilities. To minimize the administrative burden, the task force shall work toward a coordinated effort with the current clean water state revolving fund and centennial clean water fund integrated program under which reclaimed water projects with a water quality benefit are currently eligible and shall review the "2006 Inventory of State Infrastructure Programs" produced by the joint legislative audit and review committee.
     (2) The recommendation shall provide a comprehensive funding, loan, and grant program that includes the following:
     (a) Eligibility requirements: Eligible components should include the additional water reclamation components to treat wastewater effluent to reclaimed water standards, distribution pump stations, storage, trunk lines, and distribution lines, and multiple-purpose projects in proportion to the costs allocated to reclaimed water;
     (b) Competitive process for funding: The funding should be competitive and establish a maximum percentage or maximum funding amount available to any applicant;
     (c) Priorities for funding that target reclaimed water projects ready to proceed, local support for the project, projects in areas that have adopted mandatory use ordinances or letters of intent to execute user contracts, projects providing broader public benefits to environmental water quality or water resource needs such as Puget Sound restoration, Columbia river water management strategies, water quality improvements, wetlands habitat, and instream flows, projects with benefits that clearly extend to citizens other than the utility ratepayers; and
     (d) A proposed grant program for projects in identified high priority areas.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15   A new section is added to chapter 90.46 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that the state should take a lead in increasing the visibility of the use of reclaimed water.
     (2) The department of general administration shall develop a proposal to provide a comprehensive campus-wide plan for the use of nonpotable water in lieu of the use of potable water to serve as a demonstration project for the use of reclaimed water. The department of general administration shall work with LOTT alliance to provide a report to the legislature by December 1, 2007, of the needed infrastructure, cost, and potential funding sources for the project.