What's Happening
On February 3, 2026, the Department of Health (department) filed proposed changes to chapter 246-290 WAC Group A Public Water Supplies. The proposed changes incorporate the text of federal requirements for content, delivery, reporting, and recordkeeping of Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) and make minor editorial changes and technical corrections.
Why It's Happening
On May 24, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published revisions to the Consumer Confidence Report Rule in 40 C.F.R. Part 141, Subpart O, in accordance with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). The State Board of Health (board) delegated rule making authority to the department at its meeting on January 14, 2026, to update the Consumer Confidence Report rules.
Federal intent for the revisions were to improve the readability, clarity, and understandability of CCRs; improve the accuracy of the information presented; improve risk communication; provide supplemental information regarding lead levels and control efforts; and require systems that serve 10,000 or more people to provide CCRs to consumers twice per calendar year. The proposal incorporates the federal changes into chapter 246-290 WAC, Part 7, Subpart B.
Existing rules specific to CCRs will remain effective through the end of 2026. The new federal requirements come into effect beginning January 1, 2027.
Get Involved
February 3, 2026 – March 10, 2026
The Department of Health invites you to comment on the proposal through March 10, 2026, at 11:59 pm. A public hearing will be held on March 10, 2026 beginning at 1 pm to give you an opportunity to provide oral comments. To attend the public hearing virtually, please register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Written comments can be sent through e-mail to brian.sayrs@doh.wa.gov or may be submitted online at the department’s rules comment page.
Please note that 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.
Tentative Rulemaking Timeline
- January 2026 – Board delegation of rulemaking to department
- February 2026 – Beginning of formal comment period
- March 2026 – End of formal comment period and public hearing
- April 2026 – Rulemaking complete
Rulemaking Files
| Document | What's This? | Date Filed |
|---|---|---|
| CR-102—Proposed Rulemaking (PDF) | Announces proposed permanent rulemaking. | XX/XX |
| Summary of Proposed Rule (PDF) | Briefly explains the proposed changes | N/A |
| Detailed Language Changes (PDF) | Provides details on the CCR language changes | N/A |
Contacts
Brian A. Sayrs, Rules Coordinator
Mike Means, Water Quality, Policy, and Certification Manager.
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