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Council reviews ordinance to allow limited-use shallow irrigation wells for public parcels
Summary
Council discussed a proposed municipal code change allowing limited-use shallow aquifer irrigation wells for public or semi-public parcels (minimum 3 acres) that lack access to alternative irrigation sources, including eligibility criteria, permit requirements to protect potable water, and potential language to address change-of-use or sale.
City staff presented an ordinance (Ordinance 3079) to permit limited-use shallow aquifer irrigation wells on parcels owned and operated by public or semi-public entities for irrigation of large green spaces, subject to eligibility, permit and protection requirements.
Key features staff described include a 3‑acre minimum parcel size, a requirement that the parcel lacks access to alternative irrigation sources (for example Moses Lake Irrigation District or canal systems), proof of legal access to groundwater, and compliance with cross-connection control, sanitary control zones and well-head protection standards. Staff emphasized a permit and inspection process to ensure irrigation plumbing will not contaminate the city’s potable water system.
Council asked several clarifying questions: whether eligibility is defined by parcel or entity (staff confirmed eligibility is parcel-based), how change of ownership or use would be handled, and whether parcels could share wells (staff said creating a shared water system would raise regulatory issues and likely be disallowed without further review). Council members also requested recitals to memorialize legislative intent emphasizing conservation and reduced reliance on potable water. Staff agreed to draft recitals and return the ordinance for adoption after those clarifications.
