WAC 246-291-110   Surface water and GWI 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. 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. As of the effective date of these rules, the department shall no longer approve new or expanding surface water or GWI sources unless the department determines they meet the following conditions:

     (a) The system is under the ownership and operation of a department of health approved satellite management agency; and

     (b) Continuous effective treatment, including filtration, disinfection and any other measures required under chapter 246-290 WAC are provided.

     (3) An owner seeking source approval shall provide the department:

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

     (d) A map showing the project location and vicinity;

     (e) A map depicting topography, distances to the surface water intake or GWI source from existing property lines, buildings, potential sources of contamination, ditches, drainage patterns, and any other natural or man-made features affecting the quality or quantity of water;

     (f) For GWI sources:

     (i) 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;

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

     (iii) A copy of the water well report if applicable;

     (iv) A general description of the recharge area affecting the quantity or quality of flow. Seasonal variation shall also be included;

     (v) Well 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.

     Existing and proposed sources shall conform to the well construction standards established under chapter 173-160 WAC if applicable.

     (g) Documentation of totalizing source meter installation;

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

     (i) 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 also be required;

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

     (k) If water quality results taken from the proposed source confirm a primary MCL violation, the owner shall ensure that appropriate treatment is provided which shall eliminate the public health risk to consumers served by the system.

     (4) Watershed control program.

     (a) Owners of new or expanding surface water or GWI sources shall ensure the development and submittal of a watershed control program to the department for review and approval. Once approved, the owner shall implement the program.

     (b) This program shall be part of the water system plan required in WAC 246-291-140.

     (c) The owner's watershed control program shall contain, at a minimum, the following elements:

     (i) Watershed description and inventory, including location, hydrology, land ownership and activities which may adversely affect water quality;

     (ii) Watershed control measures, including documentation of ownership and relevant written agreements, monitoring procedures and water quality;

     (iii) System operation, including emergency provisions; and

     (iv) Documentation of water quality trends.

     Sections in the department guideline titled Planning Handbook and in the DOH SWTR Guidance Manual address watershed control and are available to owners.

     (d) The owner shall ensure submittal of the watershed control program to the department for review and approval. Following department approval, the owner shall ensure implementation as approved.

     (e) The owner shall update the watershed control program at least every six years, or more frequently if required by the department.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 95-20-078, § 246-291-110, filed 10/4/95, effective 11/4/95; 94-14-002, § 246-291-110, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94.]