New Rules for Harvesting Rainwater - Former President Publishes Article

Past AIA/WA President, Timothy Buckley, of Greenstone Architecture, recently published an article on rainwater harvesting in the Vancouver Business Journal. Although the collection and use of rainwater is beneficial to the environment, Washington architects have had a hard time getting rights to harvest it.

In his article Buckley notes, “for years, the region's green building community has been working with the DOE and the State Legislature to get the rules changed. Unlike our neighbors in Oregon, developers wishing to harvest rainwater in Washington were required to wade into a state water rights permit backlog - considered by many to be a futile effort.” However, as Buckley details further, some difficulties with water rights are changing.

You can read about all the new policies that are changing the rules on water harvesting and the entire article here.

Media Focuses on Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is gaining attention in Washington. An article in the Seattle PI today, July 21, 2008, details what the state has been doing with regard to rainwater collection. The article also prompted an hour of debate on KIRO (710 a.m.) radio’s Dori Monson program. You can download and listen to a copy of the show here, click on the 1:00 pm-2:00 pm slot.

The Council continues to work with a broad group of stakeholders and attend meetings on this issue as part of our overall efforts to promote sustainable development in Washington. We encourage the use of reclaimed water and see potential for captured rainwater to expand the availability of usable water in our state.

Director's Message - Rainwater Harvesting Rules

Yesterday, I participated in the first stakeholder's workshop with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) regarding the development of new regulations for rainwater capturing. Ecology is genuinely interested in facilitating a resolution but in the end not much was resolved.

Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.

The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.

Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.

Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.

Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.

Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region

Rainwater Rules - Your Opinion Needed

How could a lack of water a problem in Washington? Actually it is. Water that can be used for development is in short supply becuase of water rights. However, utilization of captured rainwater decreases the need for treated water and lessons the demands on rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Should rainwater collection be subject to regulation? Should a water right permit be required for rainwater catchment systems?

Your opinion matters. Rules are being crafted regarding the collection of rainwater right now. Attend these open house sessions held by the Department of Ecology to lend your voice.

June 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Everett Community College - Jackson Center
801 Wetmore Avenue
Everett WA

June 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Department of Ecology - Auditorium
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey WA

June 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Golden Delicious Room
201 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee WA

The Council is working with a broad group of stakeholders on this issue and attended a stakeholder meeting on the proposed rule yesterday, June 11. Two more stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, July 1, 8:00-12:00 and Friday, July 11, 8:00-12:00. A report on discussions and results from the first meeting will follow.

House Passes Reclaimed Water Bill

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6117, to promote the use of reclaimed water, passed the House late this evening. According to the bill report this bill:

• Requires the state to expand both direct financial support and financial incentives for capital investments in water reuse and reclaimed water.
• Creates one taskforce and two sub-taskforces to evaluate and make recommendations on various issues relating to the use of reclaimed water.
• Concludes that a reclaimed water project that reduces the quantity of sewage effluent that is discharged directly into marine waters does not impair any existing water rights.
• Requires state agencies and state facilities to use reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses, where feasible.
• Requires the Department of General Administration to develop a proposal for a comprehensive, campus-wide plan for the use of nonpotable water for irrigation and related outdoor uses.

The AIA/WA has been supporting this bill as part of its overall efforts to promote more sustainable development in our state. The use of reclaimed water has the potential to expand the availability of usable water in our state, but current law has many obstacles to actually using it. The bill was amended in the House, so it now goes back to the Senate for concurrence.