Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water

CHAPTER 6
Purpose
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN
CONTROLLING CONTAMINATION
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the mission of the important government agencies
involved in water quality control. The local Conservation District, Soil Conservation Service office,
or WSU Cooperative Extension offices can provide knowledge and assistance in implementing a
program for nonpoint source pollution control.
Conservation Districts
Conservation Districts were authorized with the passage of the Conservation District Law of
1939 (RCW 89-08-005). The law was subsequently revised in 1973. The Law also authorized the
formation of the Washington State Conservation Commission. The Commission is an agency of the
State and Conservation Districts are governmental subdivisions.
The Commission is composed of seven members, 2 that are appointed by the Governor, 3 selected
by a committee of District Supervisors, and 2 that are ex-officio. Conservation Districts are governed
by a Board of Supervisors consisting of 3 members that are elected locally and 2 members that are
appointed by the Commission.
The major function of Conservation Districts is to develop programs and plans for, assist in
carrying out, preventive and corrective measures necessary for the conservation and wise use of the
natural resources of Washington. Areas that Districts work in include preservation of natural
resources, flood prevention and control, protection of open space, control of pollution of surface
and ground waters, and wildlife preservation.
Conservation Districts are most important due to their local orientation. The District Boards of
Directors are composed of local growers elected by the voters in the District. The Districts are most
familiar with the unique problems of their agricultural region and committed to dealing only with
those problems. Also, due to signing the Compliance Memorandum of Agreement (discussed later),
the Districts assume various levels of responsibility for education, information dissemination, handling
complaints concerning water quality in their jurisdiction, and compliance assistance.
Most Districts are carrying out various programs designed to improve overall management of
water resources, both in terms of quantity and quality.
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