Revised Code of Washington
2024 Archive

Chapter 90.44 RCW
REGULATION OF PUBLIC GROUNDWATERS
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PDF of Complete Chapter
Sections
90.44.020Purpose of chapter.
90.44.030Chapter not to affect surface water rights.
90.44.035Definitions.
90.44.040Public groundwaters subject to appropriation.
90.44.050Permit to withdraw.
90.44.052Whitman county clustered residential developments pilot projectExemption from permit requirements.
90.44.055Applications for water right or amendmentConsideration of water impoundment or other resource management technique.
90.44.060Laws governing withdrawal.
90.44.062Use of reclaimed water by wastewater treatment facilityPermit requirements inapplicable.
90.44.070Limitations on granting permit.
90.44.080CertificateShowing required.
90.44.090Certificate of vested rights.
90.44.100Amendment to permit or certificateReplacement or new additional wellsExemption for small irrigation impoundments.
90.44.105Amendment to permit or certificateConsolidation of rights for exempt wells.
90.44.110Waste of water prohibitedExceptions.
90.44.120Penalty for waste or unauthorized use of water.
90.44.130Priorities as between appropriatorsDepartment in charge of groundwater withdrawalsEstablishment and modification of groundwater areas and depth zonesDeclarations by claimant of artificially stored water.
90.44.180Hearing to adjust supply to current needs.
90.44.200Water supervisorsDutiesCompensation.
90.44.220Petition to conduct an adjudication to determine rights to water.
90.44.230Effect of findings and judgment.
90.44.250InvestigationsReports of appropriators.
90.44.400Groundwater management areasPurposeStandardsIdentificationDesignation.
90.44.410Requirements for groundwater management programsReview of programs.
90.44.420Groundwater management programsConsideration by department of ecologyPublic hearingFindingsAdoption of regulations, ordinances, and programs.
90.44.430Groundwater management programsGuidance to local governments and certain departments.
90.44.440Existing rights not affected.
90.44.445Acreage expansion programAuthorizationCertification.
90.44.450Metering or measuring groundwater withdrawalsReports.
90.44.460Reservoir permits.
90.44.500Civil penalties.
90.44.510Superseding water right permit or certificateWater delivered from federal Columbia Basin project.
90.44.530Applications to appropriate groundwater under a cost-reimbursement agreement.
90.44.540Expedited processing of applicationsNotificationFees.
90.44.550Odessa groundwater subareaNonuse of a water rightNotice to the departmentConditions.
NOTES:
Aquifer protection areas: Chapter 36.36 RCW.