Water reclamation in Washington State: an analytical review of WAC 173-219

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the implications of the proposed changes to water rights impairment analysis and the impacts on transaction costs for water reclamation facilities. Will the new impairment analysis prove too burdensome for reclamation facilities? Will the transaction costs to comply with the proposed state rule prevent water resources from going to their most valuable activity? Transaction costs are defined as the costs of carrying out a transaction by means of an exchange on the open market or in this case, the costs of permitting a new or existing water reclamation facility (Wang, 2003). My analysis will conclude that the new state law is unlikely to result in the growth and expansion of reclaimed water facilities in Washington State as the new legislation was directed to encourage.