Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1747
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: Concerning risk-based water quality standards for on-site nonpotable water systems.
Sponsors: Representatives Doglio, Gregerson, Jinkins and Dolan.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/19
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Greywater or gray water is the term used to describe water segregated from a domestic wastewater collection system and reused on-site. This water can come from a variety of sources such as bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and kitchen or utility sinks. It contains some soap and detergent, but is clean enough for nonpotable (nondrinking) uses. Greywater does not include flows from a toilet or urinal. The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for developing standards, procedures, and guidelines, with input from technical experts, for the cost-effective reuse of greywater.
Nonpotable water is water that is not of drinking quality, but may still be used for many other purposes, depending on its quality. Nonpotable water is generally all raw water that is untreated such as from lakes, rivers, groundwater, natural springs, and ground wells. Nonpotable water sources also include rainwater, reclaimed/recycled water, and greywater. While nonpotable water is not appropriate for human consumption, it can be used in a myriad of other applications, such as doing laundry and toilet flushing.
Potable water is water of a quality suitable for drinking, cooking and personal bathing.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC), must adopt rules by December 31, 2019 for:
risk-based water quality standards for the on-site treatment and reuse of nonpotable alternative water sources for nonpotable end uses in multifamily residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings, and in district-scale projects, including a mix of multifamily residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings; and
construction standards for adopting the risk-based framework water quality standards.
The rules must address:
risk-based log reduction targets for the removal of pathogens for alternative water sources, including wastewater from all domestic fixtures, gray water, rainwater, and stormwater for nonpotable end uses such as toilet and urinal supply water, clothes washing, irrigation, and dust suppression;
treatment and performance requirements;
water quality monitoring requirements;
reporting requirements for the treatment, performance, and water quality monitoring results;
notification and public information requirements;
cross-connection controls; and
permitting.
The rules take effect January 1, 2021. However, if any on-site treated nonpotable water systems are in operation before January 1, 2021, then such systems must be in compliance with the rules by January 1, 2023.
If a permitting county, city, or town finds that a permittee is working to come into compliance with the rules, but due to extenuating circumstances related to the engineering, repair, or replacement of the system, then a further extension is warranted. The local jurisdiction may grant an extension to comply with the rules; however, the extension may not exceed January 1, 2025.
The DOH may consult or contract with other public or private entities, including but not limited to the SBCC and the Department of Ecology, for advice on state building code language, water rights, water quality, and other technical matters relating to adoption of the risk-based water quality standards.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.