Department of Ecology
March, 2021
Abstract
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires all cities and counties in Washington State to protect public groundwater drinking supplies so that tragic contamination events and their associated costs can be prevented. Public drinking water supply also depends on groundwater availability. Without replenishment, the amount of water in aquifers can be diminished or even depleted.
This guidance document helps local jurisdictions and the public understand what is required for the protection of local groundwater resources under the Growth Management Act. It includes guidance for planning, ordinances, and for including the Best Available Science (BAS) as these relate to Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
This guidance will also explain how the laws and rules of the state of Washington for water quality, pollution prevention, and water resources relate to Critical Aquifer Recharge Area protection.
We are revising the guidance to update it in response to changes in laws and rules that have occurred since 2005, and to clarify concepts in response to comments.
In 2010, the Washington State Department of Commerce significantly updated the sections of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) they administer under the Growth Management Act. A summary of the changes can be found in Appendix 1.A. of the Critical Areas Handbook.
Access the Critical Areas Handbook from the Department of Commerce Critical Areas web page.
The updated Critical Areas Handbook is a indispensable resource for local jurisdictions updating their Critical Areas plans, programs, and ordinances. Much information in the Critical Areas Handbook that is important for Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas is not repeated here, so these two guidances should be used together.