To repeal the following laws relating to water right relinquishment RCW 90.14.130, 90.14.140, 90.14.150, 90.14.160, 90.14.170, 90.14.180, 90.14.190, 90.14.200, 90.14.210, and 90.14.215. The bill also amends the following laws relating to water right relinquishment RCW 43.21B.110, 90.14.010, 90.38.040, and 90.42.040. See also Companion HB 1537.   Official Text and Analysis.

By Jim Halstrom, WA State Horticultural Assn.; Tom Myrum, WA State Water Resources Assn.; Chris Cheney, Dairy Federation, WA Cattlemen's Assn; WA Fryer Commission; Darryll Olsen, Columbia-Snake River Irrigation; Toni McKinley, WA State Grange; Hertha Lund, WA Farm Bureau; Scott Hazlegrove, WA Assn. of Sewer and Water Districts; Mike Kaysen, Fryer Commission. They testified that agricultural-based economy is important to Washington and it needs predictable water supplies to be healthy. The failure to utilize the water abundantly available to us is costly in economic terms. Water is a key engine that drives the Washington economy. Relinquishment is the biggest problem in respect to water for agriculture. It is not the code that is broken. The administration of the code by the DOE is broken. The department uses every opportunity, including the trust water program, to "tune up" or reduce the quantity of a water right.

By Richard Reich, Steve Wehrly, Muckelshoot Tribe; Nancy Rust, Mike Moran, CELP; Dawn Vyvyan, Yakama Nation; Kevin Lyon, NW Indian Fisheries Commission; Jim Waldo, Governor's Office; Josh Baldi, WA Enviro Council; Denise Smith, LUV Washington. They testified that the "use it or lose it" doctrine is done away with without any regard to consequences to water resources. This would result in depletion of stream flows and aquifers, and be detrimental to fish resources. The bill will make it harder for junior water rights to use water now allocated on paper to senior water right holders. The state's chance to provide a sustainable supply of clean water is eroded. Trust water rights should not be used to give validity to invalid rights. Many would be affected by the repeal of statutory relinquishment. Be careful. Unintended negative consequences to other users and in-stream flows are a real possibility. A strong beneficial use component is necessary for responsible water management. The bill would eliminate accountability and set back watershed planning.

To remove the Department of Ecology's (DOE)reversionary or forfeiture authority as of the effective date of the bill. Orders of reversion issued by Ecology prior to the bill's effective date are not affected. The original bill generally repealed code provisions allowing DOE to issue orders of reversion for water rights Ecology declared to be relinquished under the water rights forfeiture statutes.

Concerning the relinquishment of a water right.

The bill did not pass both chambers during the 2003 regular session, so the bill automatically returned to the Senate Rules Committee when the regular 105-day session adjourned on April 27, 2003.