Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 3, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Sheryl Hutchison, Department of Ecology, 360-407-7004

Gov. Gary Locke Urges Legislature to Pass Critical Water Legislation in Special Session

Gov. Gary Locke today urged state lawmakers to pass key water legislation before the end of special session next week. The full Legislature is expected back in Olympia tomorrow, June 4, to finalize work on a state budget. Locke and several legislators are also encouraging votes on three water bills before session concludes Tuesday, June 10.

“These bills will move us ever closer to securing our water supplies for both economic and environmental needs,” Locke said. “Transferring more water-management decisions to the local level, increasing conservation efforts, and firming up existing water rights are important steps toward reforming our water laws and ensuring we have enough water for future needs.”

One measure, House Bill 1336, would provide continued state funding and the authority for local communities to put their watershed plans into action. Local watershed plans are being developed in 42 of the state’s 62 watersheds, and about a dozen are nearing completion.

“This bill validates the success of watershed-based planning in this state and ensures that the local plans will be implemented and not just gather dust,” said Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham. “Through these plans, communities will continue to be involved in water management strategies for their watersheds.”

Another proposal, House Bill 1338, would allow cities, towns and other public water suppliers to use their existing water rights to meet the future growth needs of their communities. The bill also provides incentives and requirements for these municipal water suppliers to conserve water and improve their delivery systems so water is not wasted.

“The bill provides more flexibility to supply water for population growth while also emphasizing the importance of using the water efficiently so we don’t have to pull more water out of streams than necessary,” said Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside.

The third measure, Senate Bill 5028, harmonizes the use of the state’s water-quality and water rights laws. With the exception of hydropower facilities, the bill would prohibit the Department of Ecology from using water quality law to restrict the diversion or withdrawal of water that is allowed by an existing water right. At the same time, it would raise the penalty for illegal water use from a maximum of $100 a day to $5,000. The penalty limit hasn’t been changed since 1917.

The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls in response to a situation affecting the Methow Valley Irrigation District.

“Given that the special session will be of limited duration and scope, I hope we can focus on three water bills that I feel impact all citizens of the state the most: watershed planning, municipal water rights, and the Methow Valley Irrigation District bill,” Morton said.

All three measures had widespread support and were ready for action before the Legislature adjourned in April, but lawmakers ran out of time to act on them.

“It is very important that we provide more certainty about water supplies for cities, towns and agriculture,” said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons. “When their future is more secure, they will be able to quit competing against the environment and instead help us solve the very real problems for many of our streams.”

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Related Links:
- Governor's Web site
- Legislature Web site
- Department of Ecology

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