Water and sewer systems

AN ACT Relating to assessing the state's existing water and sewer 1
systems to identify data gaps, ensure clean water, ensure sufficient 2
waste disposal, protect public health, and protect the environment of 3
the state; adding a new section to chapter 43.21A RCW; and creating a 4
new section. 5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:6
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that the lack of 7
comprehensive statewide information on the status of water and sewer 8
systems and the upgrades that are needed for these systems is of 9
critical environmental, public health, and economic consequence to 10
the state.11
(2) The legislature notes the following conditions:12
(a) Public works grants continue to be unable to accommodate 13
local governments' abilities to maintain, repair, and expand water 14
and sewer systems within the urban growth areas and densely populated 15
areas adjacent to the urban growth area. 16
(b) Reports by county health officials indicate an increasing 17
presence of human coliform in residential wells throughout the state.18
(c) County governments face structural financial limits of 19
capacity and staffing to inspect and require maintenance of septic 20
systems and connect septic systems to new or existing sewer lines. 21
H-0879.1
HOUSE BILL 1690
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Wylie, Berry, Fosse, Hunt, Parshley, Fey, Doglio,
Berg, Scott, Pollet, Nance, Stonier, and Duerr
Read first time 01/29/25. Referred to Committee on Environment &
Energy.
p. 1 HB 1690
Some counties may not have current information on the number and 1
condition of septic systems and well water quality.2
(d) Municipal governments have limited financial capacity to 3
accommodate existing and new businesses because of the lack of sewer 4
access and disposal in smaller communities, resulting in a lack of 5
economic development and employment opportunities. 6
(e) Programs within the capital budget are inadequate to meet 7
current and increasing needs. 8
(f) Housing development demand and, specifically, the need for 9
low-income housing are increasing, resulting in tiny house villages 10
and multifamily housing being built in mature neighborhoods with 11
aging water and sewer infrastructure, adding to the cost of such 12
housing. 13
(g) The addition of human waste to water flowing into lowland 14
lakes is adding to the problems of blue-green algae blooms, noxious 15
weed growth, and poor salmon habitat and potential habitat.16
(h) Urban lake degradation has a detrimental impact on the 17
quality of life and economy of nearby communities. One example is 18
when world-class rowing competitions in Vancouver Lake need to be 19
canceled because of algae blooms. 20
(3) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to identify 21
gaps in current information, costs needed to fix existing systems, 22
and recommendations for how to ensure water and sewer infrastructure 23
needs are met to protect environmental resources, public health, and 24
communities across the state. 25
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.21A 26
RCW to read as follows: 27
(1) The department and the department of health must jointly 28
conduct and produce a continuing and comprehensive assessment of the 29
maintenance and upgrade needs for water and sewer systems throughout 30
the state to prevent pollution, protect public health, and support 31
communities and the economy. The department and the department of 32
health may: 33
(a) Consult with and solicit data as necessary to obtain detailed 34
information on water and sewer facilities in the state from entities 35
including, but not limited to: Relevant state agencies, boards, and 36
commissions; cities; counties; local boards of health; public and 37
private water and sewer utilities; and conservation districts;38
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(b) Review relevant projects to inform the development of a 1
successful needs assessment from other states such as the mid-county 2
sewer project conducted in Multnomah county; and 3
(c) Report to the governor and appropriate committees of the 4
legislature on the results of the needs assessment by every June 1st 5
of even-numbered years. 6
(2) The needs assessment may include, but is not limited to:7
(a) A consolidated database of water and sewer systems in the 8
state that need critical upgrades or maintenance; 9
(b) An analysis of the costs required to upgrade and maintain 10
such systems; and 11
(c) Options for program design and potential funding strategies.12
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p. 3 HB 1690