WAC 246-291-100   Groundwater source approval and protection.  (1) The owner shall ensure that drinking water is obtained from the highest quality source feasible. Existing sources shall conform to the primary water quality standards established in this chapter. Proposed sources shall conform to the primary and secondary water quality standards established in this chapter and the well construction standards established under chapter 173-160 WAC. The owner shall be responsible for submitting evidence required by the department to determine whether a proposed groundwater source is a GWI.

     (2) No new source, previously unapproved source, or modification of an existing source shall be used as a drinking water supply without department approval. A party seeking approval shall ensure compliance with WAC 246-291-140 as applicable and provide:

     (a) A copy of the water right permit, if required, obtained from the department of ecology for the source, quantity, type, and place of use;

     (b) A copy of the source site inspection approval made by the department or local health jurisdiction representative;

     (c) Well source development data establishing source capacity. Data shall include static water level, yield, amount of drawdown, recovery rate and duration of pumping. The source shall be pump tested to determine whether the well and aquifer are capable of supplying water at the rate desired and to provide information necessary to determine proper pump settings. A department guideline titled Group B Water System Approval is available to assist owners;

     (d) Upgradient water uses affecting either water quality or quantity;

     (e) A map showing the project location and vicinity including a six hundred foot radius around the well site designating the preliminary short term groundwater contribution area;

     (f) A map depicting topography, distances to well or spring from existing property lines, buildings, potential sources of contamination within the six hundred foot radius around the well, and any other natural or man-made features affecting the quality or quantity of water;

     (g) The dimensions and location of sanitary control area;

     (h) Copies of the recorded legal documents for the sanitary control area;

     (i) A copy of the water well report;

     (j) A general description of the spring and/or aquifer recharge area affecting the quantity or quality of flow. Seasonal variation shall also be included;

     (k) Documentation of totalizing source meter installation;

     (l) An initial analysis result of raw water quality from a certified lab, including as a minimum, a bacteriological, complete inorganic chemical and physical analysis of the source water quality;

     (m) In areas where the department determines that other contamination may be present, or at the discretion of the department, sample results for these contaminants may be required;

     (n) If water quality information from (l) and (m) of this subsection shows a contaminant level of concern, the department may require further action by the owner; and

     (o) If water quality results taken from the proposed source confirm a primary MCL violation, the owner shall ensure that appropriate treatment is provided.

     (3) The owner shall contact the department before developing or modifying a source, to identify any additional requirements the department deems necessary.

     (4) Sanitary control area.

     (a) The owner shall ensure that a sanitary control area is maintained around all sources for the purpose of protecting them from existing and potential sources of contamination. A department guideline titled Group B Water System Approval describes activities which should be precluded within the sanitary control area and is available from the department on request.

     (b) The minimum sanitary control area shall have a radius of one hundred feet (thirty meters) for wells, and two hundred feet (sixty meters) for springs, unless engineering justification supports a smaller area. The justification must address geological and hydrological data, well construction details and other relevant factors necessary to assure adequate sanitary control.

     (c) The department may require a larger sanitary control area if geological and hydrological data support such a decision. It shall be the owner's responsibility to obtain the protection needed.

     (d) No source of contamination may be constructed, stored, disposed of, or applied within the sanitary control area without the permission of the department and the system owner.

     (e) The sanitary control area shall be owned in fee simple, or the owner shall have the right to exercise complete sanitary control of the land through other legal provisions.

     (f) The owner shall obtain a duly recorded restrictive covenant which shall run with the land, restricting the use of said land in accordance with these rules.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 95-20-078, § 246-291-100, filed 10/4/95, effective 11/4/95; 94-14-002, § 246-291-100, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94.]