WAC 173-173-020   What is the authority for this rule?  (1) RCW 90.03.360 directs the department of ecology to require that diversions allowed by all new surface water permits be either metered or measured by other approved methods.

     (2) RCW 90.03.360 also directs the department to require metering or measurement by other approved methods as a condition for all previously existing water rights or claims if:

     (a) The diversion or withdrawal is from waters in which the salmonid stock status is depressed or critical, as determined by the Washington department of fish and wildlife; or

     (b) The flow rate of the surface water diversion exceeds one cubic foot per second.

     (3) RCW 90.44.050, 90.44.250 and 90.44.450 give the department authority to require that groundwater withdrawals are measured, and to require that information about the amount of water being withdrawn be reported to the department.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.03.360, 90.44.050, [90.44.]250,[90.44.]450 and chapter 43.21A RCW. 02-02-017 (Order 00-01), § 173-173-020, filed 12/21/01, effective 1/21/02.]