WAC 173-100-040   Definitions.  For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:

     (1) "Aquifer" means a geologic formation, group of formations or part of a formation capable of yielding a significant amount of ground water to wells or springs.

     (2) "Department" means the Washington state department of ecology.

     (3) "Ground water" means all waters that exist beneath the land surface or beneath the bed of any stream, lake or reservoir, or other body of surface water, whatever may be the geological formation or structure in which such water stands or flows, percolates or otherwise moves.

     (4) "Ground water advisory committee" means a committee appointed by the department to assist in the development of a ground water management program.

     (5) "Ground water area or subarea" means a geographic area designated pursuant to RCW 90.44.130.

     (6) "Ground water management area" means a specific geographic area or subarea designated pursuant to this chapter for which a ground water management program is required.

     (7) "Ground water management program" means a comprehensive program designed to protect ground water quality, to assure ground water quantity and to provide for efficient management of water resources while recognizing existing ground water rights and meeting future needs consistent with local and state objectives, policies and authorities within a designated ground water management area or subarea and developed pursuant to this chapter.

     (8) "Ground water management zone" means any depth or stratigraphic zone separately designated by the department in cooperation with local government for ground water management purposes within a ground water management area. Ground water management zones may consist of a specific geologic formation or formations or other reasonable bounds determined by the department consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

     (9) "Ground water right" means an authorization to use ground water established pursuant to chapter 90.44 RCW, state common or statutory law existing prior to the enactment of chapter 90.44 RCW, or federal law.

     (10) "Ground water user group" means an established association of holders of ground water rights located within a proposed or designated ground water management area.

     (11) "Lead agency" means the agency appointed by the department to coordinate and undertake the activities necessary for the development of a ground water management program. Either the department or an agency of local government may be the lead agency.

     (12) "Local government" means any county, city, town, or any other entity having its own incorporated government for local affairs including, but not limited to, a metropolitan municipal corporation, public utility district, water district, irrigation district, and/or sewer district.

     (13) "Local government legislative authority" means the city or town council, board of county commissioners, special district commission, or that body assigned such duties by a city, county or district charter as enacting ordinances, passing resolutions, and appropriating funds for expenditure.

     (14) "Probable ground water management area" means a specific geographic area identified by the department, in cooperation with other state agencies, local government and ground water user groups, as a candidate area for designation as a ground water management area pursuant to this chapter.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.44.400. 86-02-004 (Order DE 85-24), § 173-100-040, filed 12/20/85.]