Department of Ecology News Release - April 3, 2001 01-151
OLYMPIA - Following is the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) weekly report 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.
The recent rain and snowfall is much needed, but has not been enough to make much of a dent in the drought.
"Unfortunately, it is the old adage of too little, too late," said Doug McChesney, a hydrogeologist with the Department of Ecology. "This week's rain and snow only mean that we aren't falling behind as fast - precipitation amounts are still well below what is typical for this time of year. Unless things change dramatically, we are destined to have a dry summer."
McChesney explained that, because Washington had such low snow pack and precipitation this winter, runoff will be only about half what would normally occur. As a result, reservoir levels and river flows will be much lower than in a normal year.
As the drought continues, Ecology is doing what it can to balance the water needs of both people and fish.
Last night in Wenatchee, the agency conducted a public hearing to discuss its proposal to adjust the minimum flow that is required in the Columbia River, so about 300 irrigators can draw water from it for a few extra weeks this summer. Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons is reviewing the comments from citizens at last night's hearing and will meet with Gov. Gary Locke before making a final decision.
Enforcing water-use laws is especially important this year as the state works to protect water supplies for people, farms and fish.
At the end of March, Ecology notified 180 people in the Methow, Wenatchee and Okanogan river basins that they might have to stop using water soon.
In five of the past 10 years, river flows dropped too low to provide water to all water-right holders and fish in those basins. When that happens, the agency notifies the most-junior water-right holders that they must stop withdrawing waters from those rivers so there's enough water to cover the needs of senior water rights and fish.
"For better or worse, this form of on-off water management in some summers is a way of life for folks in those basins," said Fitzsimmons. "The difference this year is the 'off' switch will be triggered much earlier in the season than normal."
Fitzsimmons added that there is a stark difference between the water-right holders on the Columbia River and those in the Methow, Wenatchee and Okanogan. Fitzsimmons said the farms along the Columbia River are larger operations, and their failures would have a much larger effect on Washington's economy.
Under the drought emergency that was declared on March 14, Ecology has 15 days to make decisions on applications for emergency water permits and on applications to change or transfer existing water rights.
To date, 13 applications have been filed with Ecology to change or transfer existing water rights due to drought-related water shortages. This week, Ecology expects to approve 11 of those applications, all for a farm operating in Douglas and Kittitas counties.
Ecology has received and is reviewing two applications for emergency water permits from farmers who are seeking access to new sources of water. Also, the department is working with other state and federal agencies to develop additional mechanisms that will help farmers in the Yakima basin, an area expected to experience extremely low water levels this year.
Water conservation tips for this week:
Water lawns early in the morning or late in the evening. Limit the amount of water to approximately one inch per week. In Western Washington, people can even let their lawns go without water the entire summer and the grass will recover during the winter months.
People with older homes should convert their toilets, faucets and showerheads to more water-efficient fixtures. Some local utilities offer free fixtures or rebates.
Visit Ecology's Web site for more conservation tips: www.ecy.wa.gov/ (click on the drought link).
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