Washington Administrative Code
Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508)
Chapter 173-563 - Instream resources protection program for the main stem Columbia River in Washington state
Section 173-563-060 - Establishment of conservation and efficiency fundamentals
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) The department, having determined that public water is available from the main stem of the Columbia River in Washington and that continued issuance of water right permits and certificates therefrom is in the public interest, does acknowledge and is concerned that, cumulatively, the projected future diversions from the main stem Columbia River in Washington state may, under certain flow conditions, have a detrimental effect on instream values.
(2) Also, it is in the public interest that the state's water resources be conserved and that the burden of water shortages in low water years should be shared by the various users to the greatest extent practicable.
(3) Notwithstanding the constraints on pro rata water-sharing under existing state water laws, the department shall, in projected low water years, utilize all reasonable measures of influence to achieve the goal of this section.
(4) During proof of appropriation of water under RCW 90.03.330 and before issuing a certificate of water right, the department shall assure that the quantities of water shown on the certificate accurately reflect the perfected usage consistent with up-to-date water conservation practices and water delivery system efficiencies.
(5) The department shall continue to seek effective methods to better achieve the goal of this section.
Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-060, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-060, filed 6/24/80.
