Department of Ecology News Release - March 20, 2001 01-043
OLYMPIA - Throughout the duration of Washington's drought emergency, the Department of Ecology will issue weekly reports about the status of drought conditions, assistance being provided by state agencies, and what citizens can do or are doing to conserve and share water.
New water-runoff forecasts suggest even lower amounts of water than previously predicted for several of Washington's major rivers. For example, the March 1 forecast predicted the runoff into the Columbia River would be at 56 percent of average from April through September; however, by March 15, the forecast for the summer dropped to 54 percent.
Predictions for other rivers also changed. The Chelan River: March 1, 59 percent; March 15, 55 percent. Cowlitz River: March 1, 59 percent; March 15, 50 percent. Okanogan River: March 1, 55 percent; March 15, 53 percent.
Skagit River: March 1, 64 percent; March 15, 63 percent. Wenatchee River:
March 1, 57 percent; March 15, 53 percent. Yakima River: March 1, 57 percent; March 15, 54 percent.
Unfortunately, the recent snow and rainfall in some parts of the state have not been enough to make up for the significant low snow-pack and expected runoff to streams.
Gov. Gary Locke has made it a priority for state agencies to look for ways to help people who are in jeopardy of running out of water this summer.
"Our agencies are taking this challenge very seriously," said Locke. "We are putting personnel and financial resources in place to do whatever we can to limit the amount of damage this drought does to our state. A key element is allowing water to be moved where it is needed most."
During the past week, the Office of Community Development has identified several funding programs that are available to help with conservation efforts or to address threats to human health and safety due to water shortages:
The Public Works Trust Fund can provide emergency loans to local governments to help manage drought conditions. Potential projects include replacing leaky water lines to prevent waste; purchasing and installing various water-conservation measures; constructing pipes between water systems so water can be shared; and modifying wastewater treatment facilities so the treated discharge can be re-used for industrial or commercial purposes and for some types of irrigation. More information is available on the Internet at www.crab.wa.gov/pwtf.
The Community Development Block Grant Program can provide money to install or upgrade conservation equipment, rehabilitate systems to prevent leaks and deliver water more efficiently, and replace or add to existing water-delivery systems. Funding sources include the Community Investment Fund, Housing Enhancement Grants (when there's a connection to farm worker housing), and Imminent Threat Grants (to address threats to public health and safety). Planning grants also are available to assess the economic effect of drought conditions on low- and moderate-income individuals and to identify solutions. For more information, contact Monica Hautzenrader, 360-725-3002.
People who lose their jobs because of the drought may be eligible for up to two months' rental assistance from the Emergency Shelter Assistance Program and up to six months' rental assistance from the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program. For information, contact Rhonda Freebury, 360-725-2999.
In addition, local community-action agencies could obtain money through the Community Services Block Grant Program to provide a variety of services to people who lose their jobs due to the drought. For more information, contact Denny Naughton, 360-725-2850.
Locke noted that millions in additional Public Works Trust Fund money would become available for emergency loans if the legislature approves House Bills 1000 and 1001, both of which he supports.
Applications for emergency water permits and changes or transfers to existing water rights to offset effects of the drought are beginning to trickle into the Department of Ecology. In addition, a few people with water rights have contacted the department to say they may have water to sell or lease to those who need it this summer.
At the Department of Agriculture and the Conservation Commission, employees are talking directly with farmers to identify who will need water and who might have extra water to share.
"We are beginning to do the leg work," said Steve Meyer, executive director for the Conservation Commission. "The initial response has been positive."
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