The bill amends RCW 70A.125.060 to reduce the requirements for the approval and creation of new group B public water systems, specifically in relation to satellite management agency oversight. It stipulates that no new group A public water systems can be approved unless they are owned or operated by a satellite system management agency or demonstrate sufficient management and financial resources. Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for group B public water systems, stating that those meeting certain conditions—such as providing treatment to meet water quality standards, offering fire flow, having atmospheric storage, or serving 10 or more service connections—must also be owned or operated by a satellite system management agency.

Furthermore, the local board of health is granted the authority to adopt more stringent satellite management system requirements than those outlined in the bill. The enforcement of these requirements will be carried out by the department and local health jurisdictions under existing authorities. The changes aim to ensure safe and reliable drinking water while streamlining the management processes for smaller public water systems.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.125.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.125.060
Session Law: 70A.125.060