What's Happening?
We adopted proposed changes to Chapter 246-296 WAC to implement RCW 70A.125.160, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and to conform to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (PDF) on July 31, 2024. The adopted changes:
- Amend definition of “disadvantaged community."
- Amend loan terms to allow for partial or full loan forgiveness.
- Remove the requirement for a current department-approved water system plan or small water system management plan to apply for lead service line identification or replacement.
- Amend or remove project requirements and priority rating and ranking criteria.
The rule becomes effective August 31, 2024.
Adopted rule documents:
- CR-103P: Rulemaking Order with Permanent Rule Language (PDF).
- Concise Explanatory Statement (PDF) summarizing the comments received and any changes made between the proposed and adopted language.
- Significant Analysis (PDF).
- Small Business Economic Impact Statement (PDF).
- Environmental Justice Assessment (PDF), you can find more information on our Environmental Justice webpage.
Rulemaking Files
| Documents | What's This | Date Filed |
|---|---|---|
| Announces intent of permanent rulemaking. |
May 3, 2023 |
|
| 2022 Construction Loan Guidelines (replaced with 2023 guidelines): Adopts temporary rule amendments to SRF loan terms. | February 13, 2023 | |
| CR-103E-Emergency Rulemaking Order (PDF) | 2023 Lead Service Line Loan: Adopts temporary rule amendments to SRF definitions, loan eligibility and application requirements, and Project priority rating and ranking criteria. | February 28, 2023 |
| CR-103E-Emergency Rulemaking Order (PDF) | 2023 Construction Loan Guidelines: Adopts temporary rule amendments to SRF loan terms, definitions, loan eligibility and application requirements, and Project priority rating and ranking criteria. | August 30, 2023 |
| CR-103E-Emergency Rulemaking Order (PDF) | Extension of August 30, 2023, Emergency Rule: Adopts temporary rule amendments to SRF loan terms, definitions, loan eligibility and application requirements, and Project priority rating and ranking criteria. | December 29, 2023 |
| CR-103E-Emergency Rulemaking Order (PDF) | Extension of December 29, 2023, Emergency Rule: Adopts temporary rule amendments to SRF loan terms, definitions, loan eligibility and application requirements, and Project priority rating and ranking criteria. | April 24, 2024 |
| CR-102: Proposed Rule Making (PDF) | Announces proposed permanent rulemaking. | |
| Environmental Justice Assessment (PDF) | An environmental justice assessment is a way for state agencies to look at how our decisions affect people's health and the environment by working with communities and Tribes. The goal is to make things better by reducing harm and making sure environmental improvements benefit everyone. | |
| CR-103P: Rulemaking Order with Permanent Rule Language | Announces adopted permanent rulemaking. | July 31, 2024 |
| Concise Explanatory Statement | Summarizes the comments received during the public comment period and any changes made between the proposed and adopted language. | |
| Significant Analysis | Cost benefit analysis that demonstrates the agency fully considered the need for the rule and selected the rule as the best alternative to ensure public health and safety. | |
| Small Business Economic Impact Statement | Analysis of the compliance costs of the rule and its impact on small businesses. |
Get Involved
Contacts
Kseniya Efremova, Rules Coordinator
Chris Pettit, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Manager