reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 90.03.005 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.005 - State water policy—Cooperation with other agencies—Reduction of wasteful practices.

RCW 90.03.005 State water policy—Cooperation with other agencies—Reduction of wasteful practices.It is the policy of the state to promote the use of the public waters in a fashion which provides for obtaining maximum net benefits arising from both diversionary uses of the state's public waters and the retention of waters within streams and lakes in sufficient quantity and quality to protect instream and natural values and rights. Consistent with this policy, the state supports economically feasible and environmentally sound development of physical facilities through the concerted efforts of the state with the United States, public corporations, Indian tribes, or other public or private entities. Further, based on the tenet of water law which precludes wasteful practices in the exercise of rights to the use of waters, the department of ecology shall reduce these practices to the maximum extent practicable, taking into account sound principles of water management, the benefits and costs of improved water use efficiency, and the most effective use of public and private funds, and, when appropriate, to work to that end in concert with the agencies of the United States and other public and private entities.[ 1989 c 348 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 216 § 8.]NOTES:Severability—1989 c 348: See note following RCW 90.54.020.Rights not impaired—1989 c 348: See RCW 90.54.920.Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 216: See notes following RCW 90.03.245.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.010 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.010 - Appropriation of water rights—Existing rights preserved.

RCW 90.03.010 Appropriation of water rights—Existing rights preserved.The power of the state to regulate and control the waters within the state shall be exercised as hereinafter in this chapter provided. Subject to existing rights all waters within the state belong to the public, and any right thereto, or to the use thereof, shall be hereafter acquired only by appropriation for a beneficial use and in the manner provided and not otherwise; and, as between appropriations, the first in time shall be the first in right. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to lessen, enlarge, or modify the existing rights of any riparian owner, or any existing right acquired by appropriation, or otherwise. They shall, however, be subject to condemnation as provided in RCW 90.03.040, and the amount and priority thereof may be determined by the procedure set out in RCW 90.03.110 through 90.03.240.[ 1917 c 117 § 1; RRS § 7351. Prior: 1891 p 127 § 1. Formerly RCW 90.04.020.]
WA Rev Code § 90.03.015 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.015 - Definitions.

RCW 90.03.015 Definitions.The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Department" means the department of ecology.(2) "Director" means the director of ecology.(3) "Municipal water supplier" means an entity that supplies water for municipal water supply purposes.(4) "Municipal water supply purposes" means a beneficial use of water: (a) For residential purposes through fifteen or more residential service connections or for providing residential use of water for a nonresidential population that is, on average, at least twenty-five people for at least sixty days a year; (b) for governmental or governmental proprietary purposes by a city, town, public utility district, county, sewer district, or water district; or (c) indirectly for the purposes in (a) or (b) of this subsection through the delivery of treated or raw water to a public water system for such use. If water is beneficially used under a water right for the purposes listed in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, any other beneficial use of water under the right generally associated with the use of water within a municipality is also for "municipal water supply purposes," including, but not limited to, beneficial use for commercial, industrial, irrigation of parks and open spaces, institutional, landscaping, fire flow, water system maintenance and repair, or related purposes. If a governmental entity holds a water right that is for the purposes listed in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, its use of water or its delivery of water for any other beneficial use generally associated with the use of water within a municipality is also for "municipal water supply purposes," including, but not limited to, beneficial use for commercial, industrial, irrigation of parks and open spaces, institutional, landscaping, fire flow, water system maintenance and repair, or related purposes.(5) "Person" means any firm, association, water users' association, corporation, irrigation district, or municipal corporation, as well as an individual.[ 2003 1st sp.s. c 5 § 1; 1987 c 109 § 65.]NOTES:Severability—2003 1st sp.s. c 5: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2003 1st sp.s. c 5 § 19.]Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.020 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.020 - Units of water measurement.

RCW 90.03.020 Units of water measurement.The legally recognized units of water measurement shall be as follows: For flowing water—one cubic foot of water per second of time, and to be designated "secondfoot." For absolute volume or quantity of water—forty-three thousand five hundred sixty cubic feet of water, and to be designated "acrefoot."[ 1917 c 117 § 2; RRS § 7352. Prior: 1890 p 729 § 1. Formerly RCW 90.04.010, part.]
WA Rev Code § 90.03.030 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.030 - Right to convey water along lake or stream—Conveyance to intake structure in neighboring state.

RCW 90.03.030 Right to convey water along lake or stream—Conveyance to intake structure in neighboring state.Any person may convey any water which he or she may have a right to use along any of the natural streams or lakes of this state, but not so as to raise the water thereof above ordinary highwater mark, without making just compensation to persons injured thereby; but due allowance shall be made for evaporation and seepage, the amount of such seepage to be determined by the department, upon the application of any person interested. Water conveyed under this section may be conveyed to an approved intake structure located in a neighboring state in order to accomplish an approved modification of the point of diversion in a permit to appropriate water for a beneficial use, if approval of the neighboring state is documented to the satisfaction of the department.[ 1999 c 232 § 3; 1987 c 109 § 68; 1917 c 117 § 3; RRS § 7353. Formerly RCW 90.28.050.]NOTES:Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.040 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.040 - Eminent domain—Use of water declared public use.

RCW 90.03.040 Eminent domain—Use of water declared public use.The beneficial use of water is hereby declared to be a public use, and any person may exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire any property or rights now or hereafter existing when found necessary for the storage of water for, or the application of water to, any beneficial use, including the right to enlarge existing structures employed for the public purposes mentioned in this chapter and use the same in common with the former owner, and including the right and power to condemn an inferior use of water for a superior use. In condemnation proceedings the court shall determine what use will be for the greatest public benefit, and that use shall be deemed a superior one: PROVIDED, That no property right in water or the use of water shall be acquired hereunder by condemnation for irrigation purposes, which shall deprive any person of such quantity of water as may be reasonably necessary for the irrigation of his or her land then under irrigation to the full extent of the soil, by the most economical method of artificial irrigation applicable to such land according to the usual methods of artificial irrigation employed in the vicinity where such land is situated. In any case, the court shall determine what is the most economical method of irrigation. Such property or rights shall be acquired in the manner provided by law for the taking of private property for public use by private corporations.[ 2013 c 23 § 592; 1917 c 117 § 4; RRS § 7354. Formerly RCW 90.04.030.]NOTES:Eminent domain by corporations: Chapter 8.20 RCW.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.060 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.060 - Water masters—Appointment, compensation.

RCW 90.03.060 Water masters—Appointment, compensation.(1) Water masters shall be appointed by the department whenever it shall find the interests of the state or of the water users to require them. The districts for or in which the water masters serve shall be designated water master districts, which shall be fixed from time to time by the department, as required, and they shall be subject to revision as to boundaries or to complete abandonment as local conditions may indicate to be expedient, the spirit of this provision being that no district shall be created or continued where the need for the same does not exist. Water masters shall be supervised by the department, shall be compensated for services from funds of the department, and shall be technically qualified to the extent of understanding the elementary principals of hydraulics and irrigation, and of being able to make water measurements in streams and in open and closed conduits of all characters, by the usual methods employed for that purpose. Counties and municipal and public corporations of the state are authorized to contribute moneys to the department to be used as compensation to water masters in carrying out their duties. All such moneys received by the department shall be used exclusively for said purpose.(2) A water master may be appointed by the department for a watershed management area for which a plan adopted by a planning unit and by the counties with territory in the watershed management area under RCW 90.82.130 contains a requirement or request that a water master be appointed, subject to availability of state or nonstate funding.[ 1999 c 237 § 1; 1987 c 109 § 69; 1967 c 80 § 1; 1947 c 123 § 2; 1917 c 117 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 7359. Formerly RCW 90.08.010.]NOTES:Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.Stream patrollers (approval, supervision of, by water masters): Chapter 90.08 RCW.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.070 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.070 - Water masters—Duties—Office space and equipment—Clerical assistance.

RCW 90.03.070 Water masters—Duties—Office space and equipment—Clerical assistance.It shall be the duty of the water master, acting under the direction of the department, to divide in whole or in part, the water supply of his or her district among the several water conduits and reservoirs using said supply, according to the right and priority of each, respectively. He or she shall divide, regulate, and control the use of water within his or her district by such regulation of headgates, conduits, and reservoirs as shall be necessary to prevent the use of water in excess of the amount to which the owner of the right is lawfully entitled. Whenever, in the pursuance of his or her duties, the water master regulates a headgate of a water conduit or the controlling works of a reservoir, he or she shall attach to such headgate or controlling works a written notice, properly dated and signed, stating that such headgate or controlling works has been properly regulated and is wholly under his or her control and such notice shall be a legal notice to all parties. In addition to dividing the available waters and supervising the stream patroller in his or her district, he or she shall enforce such rules and regulations as the department shall from time to time prescribe.The county or counties in which water master districts are created shall deputize the water masters appointed hereunder, and may without charge provide to each water master suitable office space, supplies, equipment, and clerical assistance as are necessary to the water master in the performance of his or her duties.[ 2013 c 23 § 593; 1987 c 109 § 70; 1967 c 80 § 2; 1917 c 117 § 10; RRS § 7360. Formerly RCW 90.08.020.]NOTES:Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.Water master's power of arrest: RCW 90.03.090.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.090 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.090 - Water master's power of arrest.

RCW 90.03.090 Water master's power of arrest.The water master shall have the power, within his or her district, to arrest any person in the act of violating any of the provisions of this chapter and to deliver such person promptly into the custody of the sheriff or other competent officer within the county and immediately upon such delivery the water master making the arrest shall, in writing and upon oath, make complaint before the proper district judge against the person so arrested.[ 1987 c 202 § 250; 1917 c 117 § 12; RRS § 7362. Formerly RCW 90.08.030.]NOTES:Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.100 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.100 - Prosecuting attorney, legal assistant.

RCW 90.03.100 Prosecuting attorney, legal assistant.It shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney of any county to appear for or on behalf of the department or any water master, upon request of any such officer in any case which may arise in the performance of the official duties of any such officer within the jurisdiction of said prosecuting attorney.[ 1987 c 109 § 71; 1917 c 117 § 13; RRS § 7363.]NOTES:Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.Attorney general to represent state, agencies, etc.: RCW 43.10.040.Prosecuting attorney, duties: RCW 36.27.020(3), (4).
WA Rev Code § 90.03.105 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.105 - Petition by planning units for general adjudication.

RCW 90.03.105 Petition by planning units for general adjudication.The legislature finds that the lack of certainty regarding water rights within a water resource basin may impede management and planning for water resources. The legislature further finds that planning units conducting water resource planning under chapter 90.82 RCW may find that the certainty provided by a general adjudication of water rights under this chapter is required for water planning or water management in a water resource inventory area or in a portion of the area. Therefore, such planning units may petition the department to conduct such a general adjudication and the department shall give high priority to such a request in initiating any such general adjudications under this chapter.[ 1997 c 442 § 301.]
WA Rev Code § 90.03.110 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.110 - Determination of water rights—Petition—Statement and plan.

RCW 90.03.110 Determination of water rights—Petition—Statement and plan.(1) Upon the filing of a petition with the department by a planning unit or by one or more persons claiming the right to any waters within the state or when, after investigation, in the judgment of the department, the public interest will be served by a determination of the rights thereto, the department shall prepare a statement of the facts, together with a plan or map of the locality under investigation, and file such statement and plan or map in the superior court of the county in which said water is situated, or, in case such water flows or is situated in more than one county, in the county which the department shall determine to be the most convenient to the parties interested therein. Such a statement shall:(a) Either (i) identify each person or entity owning real property situated within the area to be adjudicated but outside the boundaries of a city, town, or special purpose district that provides water to property within its service area; (ii) identify all known persons claiming a right to the water sought to be determined; or (iii) identify both; and(b) Include a brief statement of the facts in relation to such water, and the necessity for a determination of the rights thereto.(2) Prior to filing an adjudication under this chapter, the department shall:(a) Consult with the administrative office of the courts to determine whether sufficient judicial resources are available to commence and to prosecute the adjudication in a timely manner; and(b) Report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the estimated budget needs for the court and the department to conduct the adjudication.[ 2009 c 332 § 1; 1987 c 109 § 72; 1917 c 117 § 14; RRS § 7364. Formerly RCW 90.12.010.]NOTES:Application—2009 c 332: "Except for section 14 of this act, this act applies only to adjudications initiated after July 26, 2009." [ 2009 c 332 § 21.]Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.Additional powers and duties enumerated—Payment for from reclamation account: RCW 89.16.055.Application of RCW sections to specific proceedings: RCW 90.14.200.Schedule of fees: RCW 90.03.470.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.120 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.120 - Determination of water rights—Order—Summons—Necessary parties—Use of innovative practices and technologies encouraged.

RCW 90.03.120 Determination of water rights—Order—Summons—Necessary parties—Use of innovative practices and technologies encouraged.(1) Upon the filing of the statement and map as provided in RCW 90.03.110 the judge of such superior court shall make an order directing summons to be issued, and fixing the return day thereof, which shall be not less than one hundred nor more than one hundred thirty days, after the making of such order: PROVIDED, That for good cause, the court, at the request of the department, may modify said time period.(2) A summons issued under this section shall be issued out of said superior court, signed and attested by the clerk thereof, in the name of the state of Washington, as plaintiff, against all known persons identified by the department under RCW 90.03.110. The summons shall contain a brief statement of the objects and purpose of the proceedings and shall require the defendants to appear on the return day thereof, and make and file an adjudication claim to, or interest in, the water involved and a statement that unless they appear at the time and place fixed and assert such right, judgment will be entered determining their rights according to the evidence: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That any persons claiming the right to water by virtue of a contract with a claimant to the right to divert the same, shall not be necessary parties to the proceeding.(3) To the extent consistent with court rules and subject to the availability of funds provided either by direct appropriation or funded through the administrative office of the courts for this specific adjudicative proceeding, the court is encouraged to conduct the water rights adjudication employing innovative practices and technologies appropriate to large scale and complex cases, such as: (a) Electronic filing of documents, including notice and claims; (b) appearance via teleconferencing; (c) prefiling of testimony; and (d) other practices and technologies consistent with court rules and emerging technologies.[ 2009 c 332 § 2; 1987 c 109 § 73; 1977 ex.s. c 357 § 1; 1917 c 117 § 15; RRS § 7365. Formerly RCW 90.12.020.]NOTES:Application—2009 c 332: See note following RCW 90.03.110.Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.130 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.130 - Determination of water rights—Service of summons.

RCW 90.03.130 Determination of water rights—Service of summons.Service of said summons shall be made in the same manner and with the same force and effect as service of summons in civil actions commenced in the superior courts of the state: PROVIDED, That as an alternative to personal service, service may be made by certified mail, with return receipt signed and dated by defendant, a spouse of a defendant, or another person authorized to accept service. If the defendants, or either of them, cannot be found within the state of Washington, of which the return of the sheriff of the county in which the proceeding is pending or the failure to sign a receipt for certified mail shall be prima facie evidence, upon the filing of an affidavit by the department, or its attorney, in conformity with the statute relative to the service of summons by publication in civil actions, such service may be made by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which such proceeding is pending, and also publication of said summons in a newspaper of general circulation in each county in which any portion of the water is situated, once a week for six consecutive weeks (six publications). The summons by publication shall state that adjudication claims must be filed within sixty days after the last publication or before the return date, whichever is later. In cases where personal service or service by certified mail is had, summons must be served at least sixty days before the return day thereof. For summons by certified mail, completion of service occurs upon the date of receipt by the defendant.Personal service of summons may be made by department of ecology employees for actions pertaining to water rights.[ 2009 c 332 § 6; 1987 c 109 § 74; 1979 ex.s. c 216 § 2; 1977 ex.s. c 357 § 2; 1929 c 122 § 1; 1917 c 117 § 16; RRS § 7366. Formerly RCW 90.12.030.]NOTES:Application—2009 c 332: See note following RCW 90.03.110.Purpose—Short title—Construction—Rules—Severability—Captions—1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 216: See notes following RCW 90.03.245.Commencement of actions (service of summons): Chapter 4.28 RCW.Manner of publication and form of summons: RCW 4.28.110.Service of summons by publication—When authorized: RCW 4.28.100.
WA Rev Code § 90.03.150 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.03 - Water Code.|90.03.150 - Determination of water rights—Guardian ad litem for defendant.

RCW 90.03.150 Determination of water rights—Guardian ad litem for defendant.Whenever any defendant in any proceeding instituted under this chapter is an infant, or an alleged incompetent or disabled person for whom the court has not yet appointed either a guardian or a limited guardian, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for such minor or alleged incompetent or disabled defendant.[ 1977 ex.s. c 80 § 75; 1917 c 117 § 18; RRS § 7368. Formerly RCW 90.12.050.]NOTES:Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.Guardian ad litemfor infant: RCW 4.08.050.for incapacitated person: RCW 4.08.060.