Quick
look at San Juan County (WRIA 2)
Water Resource Inventory Area 2 (WRIA 2) corresponds with the boundaries of
San Juan County, which is comprised of bedrock islands in the northwest corner
of Washington State.
It is the smallest of Washington's 39 counties. It has a land area of
about 175 square miles and a population of approximately 15,000.
Conditions in San Juan County make it appropriate for rainwater collection
Variable rainfall and dry summers
San Juan County’s water resources are provided by local rainfall. The
rainfall varies from near-drought conditions of about 18 inches per year
(southern Lopez Island) to 48 inches (at the top of Mt. Constitution on Orcas
Island).
During summer months, more water is lost from the soil (through evaporation
and use by plants) than is added by rain. Most streams dry up during the summer.
Island geology makes it hard to naturally store water
The geology of the islands is primarily bedrock and thin soils. Such terrain
has little capability to absorb rainfall to replenish ground water aquifers.
Because of the geology, a large percentage of rainwater runs off into the Puget
Sound unless it can be captured for beneficial use.
Limited water: new options needed
Ground and surface water are limited in WRIA 2. Ground water can be difficult
to find and extract from bedrock. Existing wells can go dry or become
contaminated with salt water.
Thus, many island residents have to find alternative water sources to meet
their water needs. Some island residents use rooftop rainwater collection
systems for their water supply. For some areas, rainwater may be the only water
resource available.
Locally-driven solution to rainwater collections needs
The local Watershed Planning Unit (San Juan County Water Resource Management
Committee) requested that Ecology review WRIA 2’s rainwater collection permit
needs on an accelerated schedule. This request was part of the watershed
management plan, which was developed under the local Watershed Planning process.
In response, Ecology is working with the community to develop a faster and
simpler rooftop rainwater collection permitting process for WRIA 2.
Island-wide rainwater permits for San Juan County
Permits will be issued on an island-by-island basis rather than on a
resident-by-resident basis. For example, all residents collecting rainwater on
Lopez Island will fall under one rainwater permit. The permit will be managed by
San Juan County.
Under an island-wide permitting system, the San Juan County government will
be authorized to manage local rooftop rainwater collection systems under certain
conditions set by Ecology.
An island-wide permitting system for rooftop rainwater collection will be
quicker and easier than the standard water right permit process. At the same
time it will protect other water right holders and water resources, as well as
meet the permit requirements specified by state law.
The permits will be based on the results of a rainwater collection impact
study completed in July 2007 by Golder Associates. Results from this study will
guide the quantities and use conditions authorized under the permits.
The first of the island-wide permits for Shaw and Lopez
Islands are expected to be available by Fall of 2008.
Proposed Water Right Permit Conditions and Limits
- Under the proposed approach for island-wide rainwater permits, it is
anticipated that permitting may be set up in the following manner:
- Rain barrels will not be regulated.
- Permit will be focused on rooftop collection only, for domestic water
use with minor outdoor gardening.
- Domestic rooftop collection, on a septic system and outside a public
water system service area will be allowed, with no limit on tank size.
- Domestic rooftop collection with in a public water system service area
will be allowed, with permission of purveyor.
- Rainwater collection for irrigation will require a standard water right
permit.
- The limitations on capture and use are a result of the findings of a
study by Golder Associates, funded by Ecology, that was completed in July
2007. (see link above).
- San Juan County will keep track of those collecting rainwater and
estimate how much they are using through the County’s building code
requirements.
Public Workshop
A public workshop on San Juan County island-wide rainwater permits will be
held in the near future. An announcement with specific details
will be posted on this website.
Contact
Jeff Bash, Watershed Lead for San Juan County (WRIA 2)
Phone: 425-649-7035
Email:
jbas461@ecy.wa.gov
Links to other information sources
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