RCW 43.83B.011 Definitions. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) “Department” means the department of ecology. (2) “Drought condition” means that the water supply for a geographic area, or for a significant portion of a geographic area, is below seventy-five percent of normal and the water […]
RCW 43.83B.230 Provision for recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement and other public benefits. In the course of considering applications under this chapter, the department of ecology shall make known to other state agencies possibilities which may arise to provide public benefits such as recreation or fish and wildlife enhancement in connection with proposed projects. Such […]
RCW 43.83B.400 Findings—Intent. The legislature recognizes that drought and water shortages can place a significant hardship on Washington communities, farms, and the natural environment. Rising temperatures due to climate change may cause water supply shortages to be more frequent and severe in the future. Therefore, the ability to respond to drought and water shortage emergencies […]
RCW 43.83B.405 Drought advisories—Orders of drought emergency—Procedure. (1) Whenever it appears to the department, based on the definitions of drought condition and normal water supply set forth in RCW 43.83B.011, that drought conditions may develop, the department may issue a drought advisory. The drought advisory should seek to increase the awareness and readiness of affected […]
RCW 43.83B.410 Drought emergencies—Withdrawals and diversions—Agreements. Upon the issuance of an order of drought emergency under RCW 43.83B.405(2), the department may: (1)(a) Authorize emergency withdrawal of public surface and ground waters, including dead storage within reservoirs, on a temporary basis and authorize temporary or permanent associated physical works. The department shall prioritize the approval of […]
RCW 43.83B.415 Grants to public entities. (1)(a) The department is authorized to issue grants to eligible public entities to reduce current or future hardship caused by water unavailability stemming from drought conditions. No single entity may receive more than twenty-five percent of the total funds available. The department is not obligated to fund projects that […]
RCW 43.83B.420 Rules. The department shall adopt such rules as are necessary to ensure the successful implementation of this chapter. [ 1989 c 171 § 5.] NOTES: Severability—1989 c 171: See note following RCW 43.83B.400.
RCW 43.83B.425 Applicability—Construction. Nothing in this chapter shall: (1) Authorize any interference whatsoever with existing water rights; (2) Authorize the establishment of rights to withdrawal of waters of a permanent nature or of rights with any priority; (3) Authorize the establishment of a water right under RCW 90.03.250 or 90.44.060; (4) Preclude any person from […]
RCW 43.83B.430 State drought preparedness and response account. The state drought preparedness and response account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from appropriated funds designated for the account and all cost recovery revenues collected under RCW 43.83B.410(5) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used for drought preparedness […]
RCW 43.83B.440 Drought contingency plan revision. In collaboration with affected governments, the department may revise the existing drought contingency plan. The department shall notify interested parties of any updates to the drought contingency plan. [ 2020 c 168 § 7.]
RCW 43.83B.450 Long-term water right lease agreements—Pilot program. (Expires June 30, 2025.) (1) The department shall initiate a pilot program in a selected basin or basins to explore the cost, feasibility, and benefits of entering into long-term water right lease agreements. The purpose of the agreements is to alleviate water supply conditions that may affect […]
RCW 43.83B.901 Severability—1977 ex.s. c 1. If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected. [ 1977 ex.s. c 1 § 19.]
