Jefferson County commissioners Monday leveled criticism at the state Department of Ecology for denying a request that would have led to a public water system in Quilcene.
“When it comes to water rights, the DOE is dysfunctional,” said Commissioner Dan Titterness during a commissioners meeting in Port Townsend.
“DOE is a mess.”
He also accused Ecology’s management of being incompetent.
The Jefferson County Public Utility District sought part of the unused water right held by the U.S. Forest Service for its Quilcene Ranger Station diverted to the community for the water system.
In denying the request, Ecology officials said a portion of a total water right cannot be transferred.
Titterness said the situation might have been different if the Forest Service had a plan in place for the extra water.
“The city (Port Townsend) doesn’t use all of its water, but it has a plan in place for the future,” Titterness said.
Commissioner Pat Rodgers, whose jurisdiction includes Quilcene, said he’s heard from many Quilcene residents and business owners who are upset by the denial.
