Washington state floats new rule to boost water relclamation

A new Washington state draft rule could streamline regulations to encourage reclaimed water use.

The draft rule, which is being developed by Washington Department of Ecology, would establish new regulations for all reclaimed water projects and create a consistent implementation framework, including standards and permitting requirements.

The proposed rule includes:
·a single permit for the production, distribution and use of reclaimed water;
·definitions of reclaimed water that seek to protect public health;
·a means to define and resolve water rights issues; and
·an obligation on operating reclaimed water facilities to comply with the new regulations.

Washington state jurisdictions are deploying reclaimed water to work, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Quincy, Airway Heights, and King County.

Director of the Washington Department of Ecology, Maia Bellon, said: “This proposal gives our state an additional tool to reduce the impacts of water shortages and drought conditions in the future.”

Public consultation on the draft rule will run until 21 August 2015.