Feedback needed for water rules

OLYMPIA - The state Department of Ecology is seeking feedback from affected people as they move forward with developing statewide guidelines for reclaiming wastewater.

The agency has been working on developing a new rule for reclaimed water for many years, but work was put on hold back in 2010. They recently re-started the official rule-making process.

Once completed, the new rule will provide technical standards and a predictable and efficient regulatory review and permitting process for local governments to reclaim water, according to Ecology.

Their goal is provide great regulatory certainty for facilities that want to reclaim water.

Reclaimed water is water treated by sewer plants to make it safe for non-drinking uses - like irrigating crops, flushing toilets and controlling dust. It can also create, restore and enhance wetlands, recharge underground water supplies and increase river flows.

Ecology Director Maia Bellon said millions of gallons of water go down the drain each year that could be re-used. The agency wants to develop guidance for local governments so they have an approved, standardized approach to reclaimed water.

"Water is our most precious natural resource and is declining in many parts of our state," she said in a statement. "If we can be more efficient, it will help us balance competing needs - providing water for people while protecting stream flows for fish."

To begin the rule-making process, Ecology will host a statewide video conference workshop on July 14. The workshop takes place at four locations across the state from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. that day.

Their video conference will be shown at Ecology's Headquarters/ Southwest Regional Office in Lacey; Central Regional Office in Yakima; Eastern Regional Office in Spokane and Northwest Regional Office in Bellevue.

During the rulemaking process, Ecology will obtain feedback from stakeholders on key issues related to the rule making and proposed rule language, according to information on their website.

In addition, they will post rulemaking information on their website, hold one or more advisory committee meetings and maintain and use email distribution lists to keep interested parties informed.

During the formal comment period, Ecology will hold at least one public hearing on the proposed rule.

For more information or to participate in the rule-making process, contact Dennis McDonald at 460-407-6321 or at reclaimedwater@ecy.gov.