Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 43.27A.020 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026

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As used in this chapter, and unless the context indicates otherwise, words and phrase shall mean:

"Department" means the department of ecology;

"Director" means the director of ecology;

"State agency" and "state agencies" mean any branch, department or unit of state government, however designated or constituted;

"Water resources" means all waters above, upon, or beneath the surface of the earth, located within the state and over which the state has sole or concurrent jurisdiction.

"Beneficial use" means, but its meaning shall not be limited to: Domestic water supplies; irrigation; fish, shellfish, game, and other aquatic life; recreation; industrial water supplies; generation of hydroelectric power; and navigation.

[ 1987 c 109 s 31; 1967 c 242 s 2.]

Notes:

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

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 1 case, 1973–1973 · leading case: Stempel v. Dep't of Water Resources, 508 P.2d 166 (Wash. 1973).

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Stempel v. Dep't of Water Resources, 508 P.2d 166 (Wash. 1973). “Second, the use of water for domestic purposes is a beneficial use (RCW 43.27A.020 and RCW 90.54.020(1)) and the record reveals evidence of the department’s determination it was for that beneficial purpose that the application was submitted.”

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