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Senate passes Hinkle's
legislation to increase availability of reclaimed water
Today the Washington State
Senate passed House Bill 1891, which would help people all across
Washington better manage water resources. Under the measure, sponsored
by
Rep.
Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, the state would be required to issue
water reclamation permits not only to public organizations, as it does
today, but to private entities as well. The bill passed the House last
month.
“This bill will be a big help to ranchers, farmers and outdoor
enthusiasts in the 13th District and all across Central and Eastern
Washington,” Hinkle explained. “It will increase the availability of
reclaimed water so we can save our potable water for drinking and other
needs. This will be particularly important this summer as we are facing
the drought.”
Reclaimed water is recycled, non-potable water produced by wastewater
treatment systems. It is used for a variety of purposes, including
irrigation, fire suppression, agricultural, industrial and recreational
uses, and in-stream flow augmentation.
Washington state law encourages the public and private sectors to,
“…facilitate the use of reclaimed water.” But the law goes on to say
that water reclamation permits can only be issued to municipal,
quasi-municipal or other government entities. As a result, anyone
wishing to operate a privately owned water reclamation facility could
not get a permit.
House Bill 1891 would change the law to add “private utility” to the
list of entities that could receive a reclaimed water permit. This
change would allow private utilities that provide sewer and/or water
services to open and operate facilities that provide reclaimed water.
“This bill is good public policy, and I’m pleased that it is on its way
to the governor’s desk,” Hinkle said. “I encourage her to sign it right
away.”
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Assistant
Communications Director - (360) 786-5758
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