New ordinance will allow some Moses Lake irrigation-only wells

MOSES LAKE — Public and semi-public organizations would be allowed to drill shallower-depth wells to help water their property under the terms of an ordinance reviewed by the Moses Lake City Council Wednesday. Water from those wells will be used for irrigation only. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the ordinance is designed to take some of the pressure off the city’s existing municipal water system.  

“The spirit, as far as I’m concerned, is to get as many users off our municipal potable water system as we can,” Swartz said. “We’re doing something to limit (the number of wells) while at the same time trying to solve our problem.” 

The ordinance will allow users like the Moses Lake School District to drill a well specifically for irrigation. Spring and summer watering is a major demand on the city’s existing system, which is under strain from declining water levels in the deep aquifer that supplies the city’s water. The existing system uses water for all purposes that’s treated to drinking standards, and giving some customers the option of their own irrigation-only source is one of the solutions being encouraged by the council. Any irrigation-only wells would have to meet specific water quality standards. 

Leigh Ramsey, assistant public works director, said applicants must demonstrate they don’t have access to anything except the city system to water their property.  

“(The applicant) cannot have access to an alternative irrigation source, including the (Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District) or a nearby canal,” Ramsey said. “The thought being that we want to encourage them to use the alternative sources rather than dipping into the shallow aquifer, in case at some point we’re competing for water.” 

There is a permitting process, and that’s to ensure the security of the city’s system, she said. 

“The reason why is that city staff will need to be able to go out and inspect the plumbing that is installed to ensure there is no risk of contaminating our potable water system,” Ramsey said. “We will try and make that permitting system as painless as possible, but we do need to be able to go and review that we’re protecting our system.” 

Council member Don Myers asked if the permit would transfer to a new owner.  

“What if the property sells to a private entity that doesn’t allow for public space?” Myers asked. 

Council member Mark Fancher said that was unlikely, but it could happen. In the case of residential development, city ordinances governing development would override any well permit. 

City Attorney Katherine Kenison said the proposed ordinance doesn’t include specific prohibitions, but they could be added. Council member David Skaug said he would support allowing an irrigation well to be used by a private business or residential development.  

“(I’m concerned that) if it becomes a non-public entity, we say, ‘Now you have to buy our water,’ when we already don’t want to be selling it. I think once the well is in the ground, it should be used. I would hate to see it shut off one day,” he said.  

The ordinance will be considered for final passage at the Nov. 25 meeting.