Summary
Chapters 246-290 and 246-291 WAC are Washington’s rules for public water systems. Chapter 246-290 WAC covers large water systems, called Group A systems. Chapter 246-291 WAC covers small water systems, called Group B systems.
These rules have not had a full review in many years. The Washington State Department of Health (Department) is updating both chapters to fix outdated references, remove confusing wording, and make the rules easier to read. The changes will not change what the rules require. The changes should make the rules clearer and easier to understand.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, RCW 70A.125, RCW 70A.130
Board Contact: Shay Bauman, shay.bauman@sboh.wa.gov
Department Contact: Mike Means, mike.means@doh.wa.gov
Additional Background
The State Board of Health (Board) delegated rulemaking authority to the Department of Health (Department) in August 2026 to make technical and editorial updates to chapter 246-290 WAC, Group A Public Water Supplies, and chapter 246-291 WAC, Group B Public Water Systems. These two chapters have not had a full editorial evaluation in decades and do not conform to current plain language standards and rule drafting guidelines.
The changes will align the rules with the 2025 Bill Drafting Guide. Planned updates include correcting outdated references, removing definitions of unused terms and other nonregulatory content, rewriting sentences in active voice, standardizing number formatting, correcting spelling, and making other plain language word changes.
The changes are exempt from significant rulemaking under RCW 34.05.310(4) because they correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify the language of a rule without changing its effect.
The Department will use an exception rulemaking process and will keep interested parties informed through existing meetings, an up-to-date webpage (forthcoming), and GovDelivery notifications distributed using existing listservs. The Department will hold a formal comment period and a public hearing.
The Department is currently working to draft a CR-102 package, which includes the proposed editorial rule changes.
