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Show WASHINGTON 761 (2) Allocation of waters among potential uses and users shall be based generally on the securing of the maximum net benefits for the people of the State. Maximum net benefits shall constitute total benefits less costs in- cluding opportunities lost. (3) The quality of the natural environment shall be protected and, where possible, enhanced as follows: (a) Perennial rivers and streams of the State shall be retained with base flows necessary to provide for preservation of wildlife, fish, scenic, esthetic and other environmental values, and navigational values. Lakes and ponds shall be retained substantially in their natural condition. With- drawals of water which would conflict therewith shall be authorized only in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served. (b) Waters of the State shall be of high quality. Regardless of the quality of the waters of the State, all wastes and other materials and substances proposed for entry into said waters shall be provided with all known, available, and reasonable methods of treatment prior to entry. Notwithstanding that standard of quality established for the waters of the State would not be violated, wastes and other materials and sub- stances shall not be allowed to enter such waters which will reduce the existing quality thereof, except in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served. (4) Adequate and safe supplies of water shall be preserved and protected in potable condition to satisfy human domestic needs. (5) Multiple-purpose impoundment structures are to be preferred over single-purpose structures. Due regard shall be given to means and methods for protection of fishery resources in the planning for and construction of water impoundment structures and other artificial obstructions. (6) Federal, State, and local governments, individuals, corporations, groups, and other entities shall be encouraged to carry out practices of conservation as they relate to the use of the waters of the State. (7) Development of water supply systems, whether publicly or privately owned, which provide water to the public generally in regional areas within the State shall be encouraged. Development of water supply systems for multiple domestic use which will not serve the public generally shall be dis- couraged where water supplies are available from water systems serving the public. (8) Full recognition shall be given in the administration of water alloca- tion and use programs to the natural inter-relationships of surface and ground waters. (9) Expressions of the public interest will be brought at all stages of water planning and allocation discussions. (10) Water management programs, including but not limited to, water quality, flood control, drainage, erosion control and storm runoff are deemed to be in the public interest.9 It is interesting to note that one of the legislative declarations in the act is that the waters of the State are being evaluated by interests who desire to remove water from the State contrary to the public interest.10 Undoubtedly this reference is in response to the interest which the states of the Colorado River Basin have shown in export- ing a portion of the flow of the Columbia River. The second act of significance is the State environmental policy act of 1971 which declares, among other things: that it is the continuing policy of the State of Washington, in cooperation with federal and local governments, and other concerned public and private orga- nizations, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to: (a) Foster and promote the general welfare; (b) create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony; and (c) fulfill the social, economic, 8 Sec. 90.54.020. 10 Sec. 80.54.010. |