Water Utility Background
The Chambers Creek Properties were purchased for the future expansion of the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Included in the purchase were ground and surface water rights. The Utility is evaluating opportunities to provide water to retail providers operating within Pierce County's Urban Growth Area.
Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP)
The CWSP was prepared to meet the requirements of State law relating to water resource management and utility planning. The 'Water Resources Act' of 1971, RCW 90.54, set forth fundamental water resource management guidelines intended to ensure that the waters of the State will be protected and fully utilized for the greatest benefit to the people. The legislature also enacted the Public Water System Coordination Act of 1977. This act established procedures, WAC 246-293, for water purveyors to coordinate planning and construction programs with other water purveyors and local governments.
Comprehensive Water System Planning
The Public Water System Coordination Act , Chapter 70.116 RCW, requires each purveyor within the external boundaries of a critical water supply service area to develop a water system plan for their service area. The boundaries of the service area must be established in accordance with provisions of, RCW 70.116.070. Pierce County was declared a Critical Water Supply Service Area in November 1983.
The Washington State Department of Health is primarily responsible for water system plan approval, however, there are a number of plan review functions that are within the purview of local government. Prior to Department of Health approval, plans must be reviewed by appropriate agencies of local government to ensure:
- Consistency with local growth management plans and development policies;
- Recognition of all applicable water resource plans, water quality plans, and water pollution plans adopted by local government;
- Requirements of adopted local fire protection standards are met; and for
- Consistency with local provisions for Wellhead Protection Programs.
Watershed Management Plans
In 1998 the Watershed Management Act was enacted to provide a framework for locally-based watershed planning with the goal of giving local interests a voice and a forum pertaining to water resource issues. The Nisqually Watershed Management Plan was completed in October, 2003 with implementation currently underway. Efforts have also been undertaken in the Chambers Clover Creek Watershed and Kitsap Watershed aimed at identification and quantification of ground and surface water resources.
