The bill modifies the application of the annual consumptive quantity calculation for certain water rights held by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, specifically for water use within the Columbia Basin Project. It amends RCW 90.03.380 to allow changes in the place of use, point of diversion, and purpose of use of a water right, provided that these changes do not increase the annual consumptive quantity of water used. Additionally, the Bureau of Reclamation is granted the ability to apply for changes in the number of acres irrigated under its water rights, as long as these changes do not increase the authorized quantity of water and do not impair existing water rights.

The bill also clarifies the definition of "annual consumptive quantity" and outlines the application process for changes in water rights, including the requirement for written applications and public notice. It specifies that pending applications for new water rights do not receive protection from impairment when considering existing rights, and it allows for the processing of applications for existing rights to occur independently of new applications. Furthermore, it ensures that applicants are not required to relinquish any part of their valid water rights as a condition for processing their applications. The bill includes provisions for interbasin water rights transfers, requiring electronic notice to the county commissioners in the county of origin for applications submitted after June 30, 2019.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 90.03.380
Bill as Passed Legislature: 90.03.380
Session Law: 90.03.380