Warnick sponsors bill addressing farm water needs
The East Low Canal serves several areas in Grant and Adams counties. Farmers throughout the state say they are in need of more access to water, but conservationists are concerned about runoff from irrigation polluting streams with fertilizer and other pollutants. Legislation being sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick in Olympia aims at finding a balance between the two needs.
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OLYMPIA — Senate Bill 5517, sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, aims to address the balance between meeting farmers' groundwater needs and ensuring environmental conservation in Washington state.
“We are getting dangerously close to losing the ability for at least 70 cities to lose their water rights,” said Warnick.
The legislation seeks to modify existing water laws, focusing on the potential impacts of groundwater extraction on critical water sources in Washington.
Joe Zimmerman, finance and marketing director for Bi-Zi Farms said there are several challenges faced by farmers in the current groundwater permit application process. He said the process is perceived as restrictive, leading to a stalemate in seeking water for farms.
“A problem we face is there is no new water source. Our hope with this bill would take us from a 'heck no' to a 'maybe,'” said Zimmerman regarding their groundwater permit application process.
Proponents argue that the proposed modifications are necessary to streamline the groundwater permit system, making it more accessible and efficient for farmers. They believe such changes are vital for supporting the agricultural sector while addressing environmental concerns linked to groundwater extraction.
The bill introduces a management sequence outlining steps for water resources mitigation measures. This includes minimizing adverse effects and compensation for impacts when avoidance and minimization are not feasible, according to the bill’s language. It also allows for out-of-kind mitigation, meaning alternative measures can be considered when reasonable conservation measures have been implemented. If the bill is passed into law, the Department of Ecology must adopt a groundwater modeling rule to ensure the proper creation and use of groundwater models in decision-making.
Municipal water suppliers would also need to meet water conservation standards and can rely on the mitigation sequence for groundwater withdrawals.
While designed to prevent potential harm, the bill has sparked controversy due to concerns about the impact of reduced water levels in rivers and streams on salmon populations. Opponents claim the mitigation sequence may harm instream flows, salmon restoration efforts and treaty water rights.
“In our view, this legislation is moving forward those municipal water interests but are leaving fish behind,” said Washington Conservation Manager with Trout Unlimited Alexei Calambodkidis. “This bill is attempting to tackle a serious issue the state of Washington does need to address. We're very interested in continuing to work on it collaboratively and we want to make sure that it is a collaborative fix, and it continues to protect our iconic native species and not at the expense of them."
Warnick said she is collaborating with tribal authorities to address concerns regarding instream levels.
“We are working on this bill from many different angles, we are trying to find a balance for water for people, and water for fish,” said Warnick.
Renne Diaz is an editorial intern with the Columbia Basin Herald and a recent graduate of the University of Washington.