(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, reclaimed water may be beneficially used for surface percolation provided the reclaimed water meets the state drinking water contaminant criteria as measured in groundwater beneath or down gradient of the recharge project site, and has been incorporated into a sewer or water comprehensive plan, as applicable, adopted by the applicable local government and approved by the department of health or department of ecology as applicable.

(2) If the state drinking water contaminant criteria do not contain a standard for a constituent or contaminant, the department of ecology shall establish a discharge limit consistent with the goals of this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, reclaimed water that does not meet the state drinking water contaminant criteria may be beneficially used for surface percolation where the department of ecology, in consultation with the department of health, has specifically authorized such use at such lower standard.

(4) The provisions of this section are superseded by any rules adopted by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 90.46.015 as they relate to surface percolation.

Severability—1997 c 444: See note following RCW 90.46.010.

Construction—Effective date—1995 c 342: See notes following RCW 90.46.005.