Governor proposes radical changes

The Capital Press , 2/20/99

Here are major elements of Gov. Gary Locke's proposal to rewrite laws controlling Washington state's water:

• Water conservation would be mandatory for all users, from farmers to city water systems.
• The Department of Ecology could apply new criteria of 'validity, actual use and public interest" before granting changes or transfers in existing water rights.
• If a farmer saved water through conservation, he can use only half the saved water for newly cultivated acreage, or "spreading." The other half must be returned to the stream.
• Ecology could deny a new water right if there were a feasible source of reclaimed water or if the water could be obtained through a transfer of an existing water permit.
• New limits would be placed on small wells yielding 5,000 gallons or fewer a day. Such wells are unregulated.
• An increased number of inspectors, from the departments of Fish and Wildlife and of Ecology, will step up inspections and enforcement.
• Penalties for illegal water use would be increased from $100 a day up to $25,000.

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