What's Happening
Chapter 246-290 WAC
On November 8, 2023, the Department of Health (department) requested delegated rulemaking authority from the State Board of Health (board) to conduct rulemaking in response to ES2HB 1181, codified as RCW 43.20.310.
The department is proposing a revision to WAC 246-290-100 Water Systems Plan, that impacts only those Group A community public water systems serving 1,000 or more connections.
Before the June 30, 2025, statutory compliance deadline the department will complete an update to the Water System Planning Guidebook (PDF) (pub #331-068). This update will provide additional guidance to water systems impacted by the new law. The department will also provide technical assistance to water systems that must comply with this requirement.
If you have questions about the Water System Planning Guidebook (PDF) update, please contact the project manager, John Freitag at 564-669-4455.
If you would like more information about the Water System Planning, visit the Water System Planning Requirements webpage.
Why?
This new law requires these larger systems to include a climate resilience element in any water system plan that is initiated after June 30, 2025. Because this requirement is already in statute the department is limiting the proposed change to merely adding the climate resilience element to WAC 246-290-100, Water system plan and referencing the new section of statute, RCW 43.20.310 for the remaining statutory requirements.
Public Comment Period Beginning February 21, 2024 – April 4, 2024
The department is proposing a revision to WAC 246-290-100 and is accepting written comments on the revision from February 21, 2024, through April 4, 2024.
Send comments to drinkingwaterrule@doh.wa.gov or to the Department of Health’s rules comment page.
A hybrid (virtual and in-person) public hearing will be held to receive oral comments virtually on April 4, 2024.
In-Person Hearing April 4, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
Department of Health, Town Center 2, Room 166 and 167
Address: 111 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, WA 98501
Virtual/Online Hearing April 4, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
Register for the Virtual Zoom Hearing
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
All comments received, whether virtually, email, or online, will be given the same consideration. We encourage you to comment in a manner that is most convenient for you.
Rule Documents
CR-102 Form combined with proposed rule language.
Stay Connected
To receive notices by email regarding these rulemakings please sign up for the Drinking Water Rules distribution email list.
If you have any questions about the rulemaking, please email drinkingwaterrule@doh.wa.gov.
Para solicitar en otro formato, llame al 1-800-525-0127. Las personas con sordera o problemas de audición deben llamar al 711 (servicio de relé de Washington) o enviar un correo electrónico a doh.information@doh.wa.gov.