Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2311
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Providing a degree of local control to the use of exempt wells.
Sponsors: Representatives Chandler and Warnick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/12
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
All groundwater withdrawals require an application and permit from the Department of Ecology. Exemptions from this permit include any withdrawal of public groundwater for stock-watering purposes, or for watering a lawn or a noncommercial garden less than one half acre. Single or group domestic uses or industrial purposes in an amount not exceeding 5,000 gallons a day are also exempt [RCW 90.44.050].
Summary of Bill:
County legislative authorities are provided with the discretionary authority to establish groundwater withdraw quantity limits that are lower than 5,000 gallons a day. If a county exercises this option, it must do so through the adoption of an ordinance and may only apply the option to new uses of water related to single or group domestic uses. The new, county‑established withdraw limit may not be set lower than 350 gallons a day.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.