INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES TO CAPTURE AND RE-USE WATER FOR SMALL SCALE NURSERIES IN WASHINGTON STATE©

The Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDE) has set very strict standards for utilization of both ground water and surface water. In the absence of a valid Water Right Permit rural landowners can only draw up to 5,000 gal per day from a well. In 2009, however, WSDE passed a new law stating that the landowners can capture rainwater (rain water harvesting) from their farm buildings and use it for irrigation purposes, without having to go through the elaborate process of applying for and possibly being denied a Water Right permit. By digging a relatively small water collection basin on their land, ornamental plant growers can collect and re-use rainwater thus ensuring adequate water for their operations.