HB 3910
Expands the justifications for a domestic water supply district to exercise the powers of a sanitary district.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
75%
Oppose
25%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands the authority of domestic water supply districts in Oregon to act as sanitary districts. Specifically, it allows these districts to exercise powers related to sanitation when they draw water from designated watersheds, particularly those protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act and recognized by the Environmental Quality Commission. The bill also requires a public hearing and written consent from existing sanitation providers before a water supply district can expand its powers.
Key provisions
- Allows domestic water supply districts to act as sanitary districts.
- Expands the circumstances under which a water supply district can exercise sanitary district powers.
- Requires a public hearing before exercising expanded powers.
- Requires written consent from existing sanitation providers.
- Applies to watersheds with sole-source aquifers designated before 1991.
- Applies to watersheds recognized by the Environmental Quality Commission for water quality protection.
- Allows districts to declare a need to protect water quality through a resolution.
Who is affected
- Domestic water supply districts
- Residents of districts served by these districts
- Local governments
- Environmental Quality Commission
- Watershed landowners
Notable changes
- Expands the existing authority of water supply districts to include sanitation powers.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The community strongly supports HB 3910, which would enable the Mapleton Water District to merge with the Mapleton Commercial Area Owners Association and take on sanitary authority. This merger would address critical infrastructure needs, including wastewater repairs, and prevent a public health and economic catastrophe in Mapleton. The district's small service area and non-profit status pose significant challenges, but merging with the association would provide an immediate solution to financial struggles and safeguard the Siuslaw River from environmental harm. By supporting this legislation, lawmakers can ensure the long-term viability of the community's wastewater system and protect its historic downtown core and neighboring mobile home park.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed 3-in-1 water bill express concerns that combining water-related entities under one roof will create intertwined funding sources, posing challenges for ratepayers. They argue that this consolidation could lead to increased costs and difficulties in managing various aspects of water infrastructure, including sewage treatment, stormwater management, and potable water issues. Additionally, critics worry that the bill's potential impact on funding sources and ratepayers may disproportionately affect certain groups, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the bill's long-term implications.