(1) In accordance with RCW 90.03.605, in order to obtain compliance with this chapter, ecology shall prepare and make available to the public technical and educational information, including the implementation plan, regarding the scope and requirements of this chapter. This is intended to assist the public in complying with the requirements of their water rights and applicable water laws.

(2) When ecology determines that a violation has occurred, it shall:

(a) First attempt to achieve voluntary compliance, except in egregious cases involving potential harm to other water rights or to the environment. An approach to achieving this is to offer information and technical assistance to the person, in writing, identifying one or more means to accomplish the person's purposes within the framework of the law.

(b) If education and technical assistance do not achieve compliance, ecology shall issue a notice of violation, a formal administrative order under RCW 43.27A.190, or assess civil penalties under RCW 90.03.600.

(3) Nothing in this section prevents ecology from taking immediate action to stop a violation if in the opinion of ecology the nature of the violation is causing harm to other water rights or to public or tribal resources.