To require the Department of Ecology to consider mitigation measures proposed, or already in place, when considering an application for a water right or transfer of such rights. This act modifies requirements the Department may impose in consideration of applications. This act allows the Department to establish rules related to quantity and acreage limits for new water users. This act sets forth new procedural requirements for the approval process of applications. This act modifies provisions related to the relinquishment of a water right that take into consideration beneficial uses. This act modifies provisions related to a change in use of a water right. This act modifies provisions related to watershed management. This act also authorizes the Department to set fee schedules to recover the cost of the application and approval process. (Companion: HB 1610).   Official Text and Analysis.

To remove various sections of the original bill, including:the intent section; the changes to relinquishment; the provisions providing that Ecology may tentatively determine the extent, validity, and priority of respective rights to the use of water in certain circumstances; and the provision allowing Ecology to establish stream flow benchmarks.