Representative Joel Kretz Proposes New Water Regulations
House Republican Deputy Leader Joel Kretz of Wauconda has introduced a bill that he says would put all of Washington under the same water rights regulations in response to the controversial Hirst decision.
Under the One Washington Water Act, new single-family homes would be limited to 350 gallons of water a day. Multi-family dwellings could only use 150 gallons a day. If they want more, it would cost a dollar a gallon.
It also requires an environmental impact statement before a building permit is issued that would take into account impacts on instream flows, Pacific salmon and tribal treaty rights.
Kretz says Seattle-area Democratic lawmakers, backed by tribes and environmentalists, have blocked a Hirst fix. So he’s introduced legislation that would set new water standards for cities with more than 100-thousand residents.
The measure awaits a hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.