WAC 173-183-610
Freshwater vulnerability index. (1) For
purposes of this chapter, freshwater streams, rivers, lakes,
and portions thereof, are classified into 5 water types based
on the identification system set forth in WAC 222-16-030 which
is incorporated by reference.
(a) "Type 1 Water" means all waters, within their
ordinary high-water mark, as inventoried as "shorelines of the
state" under chapter 90.58 RCW.
(b) "Type 2 Water" shall mean segments of natural waters
which are not classified as Type 1 Water and have a high use
and are important from a water quality standpoint for:
(i) Domestic water supplies;
(ii) Public recreation;
(iii) Fish spawning, rearing, or migration or wildlife
uses; or
(iv) Are highly significant to protect water quality.
(c) "Type 3 Water" shall mean segments of natural waters
which are not classified as Type 1 or 2 Water and have a
moderate to slight use and are moderately important from a
water quality standpoint for:
(i) Domestic water supplies;
(ii) Public recreation;
(iii) Fish spawning, rearing, or migration or wildlife
uses; or
(iv) Are highly significant to protect water quality.
(d) "Type 4 Water" shall mean segments of natural waters
which are not classified as Type 1, 2, or 3. Their
significance lies in their influence of water quality
downstream in Type 1, 2, or 3 Waters. These may be perennial
or intermittent.
(e) "Type 5 Water" means all other waters, in natural
water courses, including streams with or without a
well-defined channel, areas of perennial or intermittent
seepage, ponds, and natural sinks. Drainage ways having short
periods of runoff are considered to be Type 5 Waters.
(3) The vulnerability of freshwater environments is based on the
stream typing system established in WAC 222-16-030
incorporated by reference. The rating of biological and
recreational resources ranges from 1 to 5 where 5 represents
the most sensitive category and 1 represents the least
sensitive category as follows: