RES 93-03 CITY POLICIES TOWARD WATER SYSTEMS OUTSIDE HISTORIC WINSLOWRESOLUTION NO. 93-03
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICIES TOWARD WATER SYSTEMS
OUTSIDE HISTORIC WINSLOW AND WATER RESOURCES
ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
WHEREAS:
1. The citizens of Bainbridge Island obtain their water from wells owned
by private individuals and almost 200 different water purveyors. 42% of the
island's population are served by 17 water systems, which serve 12 to 1000
customers. The remaining 58% of the population obtain water from individual
systems or small systems developed to serve a few residents.
2. The City of Bainbridge Island owns and operates one system, that
being the former City of Winslow's system which serves 1200 connections.
3. Strict new federal and state regulations for drinking water systems,
rising water demands, and stringent environmental and resource conservation
standards for new water supply projects are making it more difficult for
small water systems managers to operate successful systems.
4. Customers of several water systems have approached the City
requesting assistance with a variety of system deficiencies. It is expected
that small system customers and operators will continue to request the City's
help in solving water system problems.
5. The Growth Management Act mandates that the City's land use plans be
developed with a consideration of the island's water resources. There is thus
a need to inventory water supplies, investigate water resources, and begin
comprehensive water planning.
6. All citizens and the City must take steps now to protect the Island's
water resources and to insure high quality and quantity of water for our
citizens, future generations, and the natural habitat of the Island.
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED:
7. The City of Bainbridge Island shall work with other governmental
agencies, water purveyors, and citizens to preserve and protect the water
resources of Bainbridge Island. The City shall assist citizens and water
system purveyors to obtain reliable, high quality water service. In
furtherance of this objective, the City shall be prepared to respond to
requests to:
a. become a direct service provider through acquisition of water
systems;
b. become a contract service provider to water system operators
(performing such services as maintenance, billing, testing); and
C. provide support assistance (such as training and purchasing).
Revised 2-5-93
8. For existing water systems where the operators have expressed
interest in relinquishing ownership to the City, the City shall respond
actively to pursue system acquisition. The cost to bring the deficiencies of
the water systems up to acceptable regulatory standards shall not be borne by
the citizens of the City, but rather by the owners of the water system. The
City may utilize the LID/ULID process to help finance the water system
improvements.
9. The formation of new small water systems, the organization of new
water purveyors, and the proliferation of new small wells shall be
discouraged. Those persons desiring new or replacement water service are
encouraged to hook-up to existing water systems. The City shall assume
ownership of new water systems greater than a size to be determined by the
Public Works Department when the systems are placed into service. The Public
Works Department shall advise the council as to the size of new water systems
that should be owned by the City.
10. The City shall develop a Water System Master Plan consistent with the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Water System Master Plan shall include
issues of water quantity, quality, conservation, watershed, and well head
protection. The City shall also work with water purveyors, other governmental
agencies (like Kitsap County Public Utility District No. 1, Washington State
Department of Ecology), and private citizens to provide education to the
public about the Island's water resources and the benefits of conservation.
11. As part of the City's Water System Master Plan, the City may conclude
that certain improvements will benefit the general public. These improvements
may include new water sources, storage facilities, service lines, system
interties, etc. Contrary to the situation described in paragraph 8, in which
costs are paid by specific system owners, improvements which have general
community benefit should be paid for by the City as a whole. Funding for
these sorts of projects may come from a variety of sources, including general
tax revenue, bonds, grants, matching funds, and may, consistent with the law,
be allocated proportionate with the benefit.
12. As the City becomes involved with the water resource and water
systems outside historic Winslow, in the manner described in the above
paragraphs, it must be careful to consider the needs, benefits, and effects of
its activities on those persons who obtain water from small private wells.
13. The City shall prepare a detailed inventory of all public water
supplies on Bainbridge Island, and shall develop a well-monitoring program.
14. At the time annexation became effective, some water systems were
actively working with Kitsap County Public Utility District No. 1, the City,
and private contractors to improve their systems. The City shall continue to
cooperate with these purveyors to accomplish the improvements.
15. The Public Works Department and Planning and Community Development
Department shall advise the council by March 30, 1993 of the methods and means
to implement this resolution and any proposed budget amendments necessary to
do so.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 4th day of February, 1993.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 4th day of Febru pey, 1993.
SAM .Y GRANATO, Mayor
ATT:Z T NTICATE: