Washington § 90.44.110 - Waste of water prohibited — Exceptions.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.44.110 — Waste of water prohibited — Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.44.110. Waste of water prohibited — Exceptions.

No public groundwaters that have been withdrawn shall be wasted without economical beneficial use. The department shall require all wells producing waters which contaminate other waters to be plugged or capped. The department shall also require all flowing wells to be so capped or equipped with valves that the flow of water can be completely stopped when the wells are not in use under the terms of their respective permits or approved declarations of vested rights. Likewise, the department shall also require both flowing and nonflowing wells to be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the waste of public groundwaters through leaky casings, pipes, fittings, valves, or pumps—either above or below the land surface: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the withdrawal of reasonable quantities of public groundwater in connection with the construction, development, testing, or repair of a well shall not be construed as waste; also, that the inadvertent loss of such water owing to breakage of a pump, valve, pipe, or fitting shall not be construed as waste if reasonable diligence is shown by the permittee in effecting the necessary repair.
In the issuance of an original permit, or of an amendment to an original permit or certificate of vested right to withdraw and appropriate public groundwaters under the provisions of this chapter, the department may, as in his or her judgment is necessary, specify for the proposed well or wells or other works a manner of construction adequate to accomplish the provisions of this section.
[ 2013 c 23 s 611; 1987 c 109 s 114; 1949 c 63 s 1; 1945 c 263 s 11; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 7400-11.]

Notes

Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.44.110

What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.44.110 cover?

Section 90.44.110 ("Waste of water prohibited — Exceptions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 90.44.110?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.44.110" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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