HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2007-06-05 Item 3B - Discussion - Municipal Water Law
Attachment III.B.
INFORMATION MEMO
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Mayor Mullet
Public Works Directo~
May 31, 2007
Municipal Water Law
ISSUE
Proposed new rules under the Municipal Water Law require public water systems to look more closely
at water use efficiency and how municipal water rights are utilized.
BACKGROUND
The Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, was directed by the Washington State Legislature
to adopt a Water Use Efficiency Rule. This was a requirement of the Municipal Water Supply -
Efficiency Requirements Act. Proposed language to the Group A Public Water Systems Rule, Chapter
246-290 WAC, was drafted and packets sent out in June of 2005.
Requirements of the new law include issues such as:
Public Hearing Notices
Distribution Leakage Standards
Conservation Goal Setting and Performance Reporting Requirements
Metering Requirements
Water Use Efficiency Rule Implementation
Water Rights and Place of Use Certificates
The Distribution Leakage Standard Fact Sheet that DOH provided to all water supply agencies shows a
10% loss standard. Tukwila has been applying this loss standard in the City's water fund budget as a
performance goal. Through the Cascade Water Alliance, the City is also involved in a number of
conservation efforts including the new showerhead program and the washer rebate program.
The City of Tukwila does not have water rights to supply drinking water; however, a water right and
water certificate has been granted to the City for irrigation use at Foster Golf Links. There may be
some issues that require the City's golf course to monitor how much water is being pumped and how
it's being used. Any water rights that the City has which are based on a pumps and pipes policy must
be included in the Tukwila Water System plan approved by both DOH and DOE.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only.
PB:ad
(p:aJice\UC 060S07 Municipal Wa= Law)
5