Regional Water Organization Study Group

The Regional Water Organization Study is an effort to review and hopefully identify policy changes that could resolve ongoing jurisdictional issues that many water and sewer entities are experiencing.

Public entities currently providing water supply, wastewater, storm water control and/or flood control have found that limited legal abilities can create obstacles and roadblocks to the regional provision of essential public services. During the 2010 Legislative Session, two such entities requested a review of current and potential structures. Other agencies in Washington State are or may be contemplating creation of an intergovernmental structure to provide essential regional services, and in reviewing organizational options have also requested legal clarifications or help.

Local utility agencies are presented with challenges arising because of the lack of certainty regarding their ability to jointly exercise authority, or because of the complexity of all intergovernmental entities’ status. Some issues have been addressed because agencies have pieced together ways to get a job done; other issues have not been resolved. The study seeks to reach remedies to aid both existing and future agencies as they strive to provide essential regional public services like water and sewers.

Study Products - Updated Documents and Wrap-up Materials

February 9, 2011 - Joint Municipal Utility Services Act Information

HB 1332 - 2011-12 - Providing for the joint provision and management of municipal water, wastewater, storm and flood water, and related utility services.
SB 5198 - 2011-12 - Companion bill
Joint Municipal Utility Services Act Legislation Final wrap-up report
- Section by Section Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Study Matrix
One page information summary

2010 Meetings

October 20 - Update

Draft Joint Municipal Utility Services Act, October 19, 2010
- Redline Draft - to show the changes from the version that was distributed prior to the October 7, October 19, 2010
- Section by Section Analysis, October 19, 2010
Study Proposal Matrix - October 19, 2010

October 7