PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Revisions to the Group A public water supplies regulations, chapter 246-290 WAC, are necessary to be consistent with RCW 70.119A.180 Water use efficiency requirements.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Point Plaza East, Conference Room 152, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504, on May 6, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: May 20, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Theresa Phillips, Office of Drinking Water, P.O. Box 47822, Olympia, WA 98504-7822, web site http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-2252, by May 6, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Theresa Phillips by April 29, 2008, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The objective of the rule revision is to amend the water use efficiency goal setting requirement to align with RCW 70.119A.180 (4)(c) by requiring that water use efficiency goals are set for consumers.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rule amendment is necessary to meet the direction in the statute.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 70.119A.180.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 70.119A.180.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Washington state department of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Theresa Phillips, 243 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504-7822, (360) 236-3147.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business economic impact statement (SBEIS) was not prepared. Under RCW 19.85.025 and 34.05.310 (4)(e), an SBEIS is not required for a proposed rule where the content of the rule is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The agency did not complete a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(v) exempts rules the content of which is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.
March 31, 2008
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary
OTS-1310.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-02-025B, filed 12/22/06,
effective 1/22/07)
WAC 246-290-830
Water use efficiency goal setting.
(1)
The elected governing board or governing body of the public
water system shall establish water use efficiency goals within
one year of the effective date of this rule for systems
serving one thousand or more total connections, and within two
years of the effective date of this rule for systems serving
less than one thousand total connections.
(2) Water use efficiency goals must be designed to
enhance the efficient use of water by the water system's
((and/or its)) consumers.
(3) If a municipal water supplier determines that further reductions over current consumption levels are not reasonably achievable, the municipal water supplier shall provide justification that considers historic water use efficiency performance and investment and any other factors that support that determination. Justification must be provided in water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810 and in water use efficiency performance reports developed under WAC 246-290-840.
(4) Municipal water suppliers must provide documentation when requested by the department and in water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810 that demonstrates the following goal setting requirements have been met:
(a) Goals shall be set in a public forum that provides opportunity for consumers and the public to participate and comment on the water use efficiency goals;
(b) Public notice must occur at least two weeks prior to the public forum. Public notice must include the purpose, date, time, and place of the forum, and where materials supporting the rationale for the proposed goals can be reviewed;
(c) The elected governing board or governing body of the public water system shall review and consider all comments received;
(d) The following must be made available to the public for the purpose of fully documenting the basis for each goal:
(i) The information listed under WAC 246-290-810(4);
(ii) Annual water use efficiency performance reports prepared under WAC 246-290-840;
(iii) Water supply characteristics description in accordance with WAC 246-290-100 (4)(f)(iii)(B) or source description in accordance with WAC 246-290-105 (4)(f); and
(iv) A summary of the comments received and how they were considered.
(5) Existing public processes may be used if all requirements listed under subsection (4) of this section are met.
(6) Water use efficiency goals must include:
(a) Consideration of the system's forecasted demand and water supply characteristics;
(b) Measurable outcomes in terms of reduced or maintained water production or usage. Outcomes may be expressed on a per capita, per connection, total system, or other basis as deemed appropriate by the municipal water supplier;
(c) A schedule for achieving the water use efficiency goals; and
(d) Implementation schedule for each water use efficiency measure selected under WAC 246-290-810(4).
(7) The elected governing board or governing body of the public water system shall evaluate and reestablish water use efficiency goals following the process identified in subsection (4) of this section at least every six years and as part of a water system plan approval under WAC 246-290-100 or small water system management program approval under WAC 246-290-105.
(8) Water use efficiency goals may be changed at any time in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. Changes to goals must be identified in the next performance report.
(9) Water use efficiency programs must be modified if any water use efficiency goal is not met. Program modifications must be designed to achieve the system's water use efficiency goals.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. 07-02-025B, § 246-290-830, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]