6759C7C9D45A083587258278006B62D7 Hearing Summary

Representatives Willett and Esgar, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-038, concerning the expansion of the allowable uses of reclaimed domestic wastewater to include industrial hemp. This bill, recommended by the interim Water Resources Review Committee, codifies rules promulgated by the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) related to the allowable uses of reclaimed domestic wastewater, and expands allowable uses to include irrigation of industrial hemp.  In addition, the bill defines three categories of water quality standards.  The WQCC is required to promulgate new rules related to reclaimed wastewater no later than December 31, 2019.  Representative Esgar distributed and explained Amendments L.008 [Attachment A], L.009 [Attachment B], and L.010 [Attachment C].

Matt Becker, Legislative Council, responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Willett and Esgar made concluding comments on the bill.