Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024
(1)
The following requirements apply to all newly developed public water systems:
(a) Except for systems proposed within an
existing water system's approved service area in a CWSSA and offered service by
that existing system, any proposed new public water system must be owned or
operated by a department approved satellite management agency (SMA) if one is
available;
(b) The approval of any
proposed new public water system shall be conditioned upon the periodic review
of the system's operational history to determine its ability to meet the
department's financial viability and other operating requirements. If, upon
periodic review, the department determines the system is in violation of
financial viability or other operating requirements, the system shall transfer
ownership to an approved SMA or obtain operation and management by an approved
SMA, if such ownership or operation and management can be made with reasonable
economy and efficiency.
(2) An owner of a public water system who is
proposing to transfer or has transferred ownership shall:
(a) Provide written notice to the department
and all consumers at least one year prior to the transfer, unless the new owner
agrees to an earlier date. Notification shall include a time schedule for
transferring responsibilities, identification of the new owner, and under what
authority the new ownership will operate. If the system is a corporation,
identification of the registered agent shall also be provided;
(b) Ensure all health-related standards
pursuant to this chapter are met during transfer of the utility. It shall also
be the responsibility of the utility transferring ownership to inform and train
the new owner regarding operation of the utility; and
(c) Comply with the operating permit
requirements pursuant to chapter 246-294 WAC.
(3) The purveyor may be required to document
compliance with other relevant ownership requirements, such as those pursuant
to UTC jurisdiction under Title 80 RCW.
(4) No purveyor may end utility operations
without providing written notice to all customers and to the department at
least one year prior to termination of service. A purveyor that fails to
provide such notice remains subject to the provisions of this
chapter.
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050].
99-07-021, § 246-290-035, filed 3/9/99, effective
4/9/99.
