Department of Ecology News Release - June 5, 2001 01-093
OLYMPIA - Following is the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) weekly report about the status of drought conditions in Washington, assistance being provided by state agencies, and what citizens can do to conserve and share water.
Stream flows have risen somewhat as mountain snows continue to melt and run off into streams and rivers.
For the past week, the Okanogan, Methow and Wenatchee rivers have been above the minimum flows established by regulation. The minimum flows for those rivers were set by the Department of Ecology between 1976 and 1983 to protect older, senior water rights and fish habitat.
Last week marked the first time the entire Columbia River rose above its adjusted minimum flow since April. But the river is projected to again fall below the flow requirements this week.
"This could be considered the calm before the dust storm," said Doug McChesney, Ecology's drought coordinator. "The low water levels at this early date could lead to some extremely dry weather conditions this summer.
We're on the downward slide of the peak stream flows for this year. Without significant storms, we're stuck with some very low flows."
The drought could increase the amount of air pollution from dust and smoke, according to Ecology's air-quality manager, Mary Burg.
"It's hard to make early predictions about wildfires and dust storms," she said, "but given dry forests, range lands and soil, it makes sense to expect the drought to affect air quality."
Burg said people should stay abreast of wildfires and wind storms through local media, particularly in Eastern Washington. She stressed that dust-control requirements for construction and land-clearing projects remain in effect.
"Common sense and consideration will help, too," Burg added. "For example, people should help prevent wildfires, put off dusty backyard projects and slow down on unpaved roads."
The Department of Ecology continues to help get water to people during this year's drought. The agency recently adjusted its drought emergency rule that outlines how financial assistance will be provided for agricultural activities, communities and fish habitat this year.
"The changes will make it more practical for the farmers, people and fish that we're trying to help - so we can move the money faster and more efficiently," said Joe Stohr, Ecology's water-resources manager.
The revised regulation will be posted on Ecology's Web site.
The department has committed approximately $1 million to the Bonneville Power Administration to help get more water to farmers and fish that rely on the Columbia River. In addition, the department will pay the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation $1 million to allow some farmers in Yakima and Kittitas counties to use emergency wells during this year's drought. The purchase of water in the Yakima basin is a mitigation measure that will help the bureau make further water management improvements during the next several years.
"We hope the legislature provides additional funding so we can help even more communities, farmers and fish get water this year," said Stohr.
Since March, when Ecology declared a drought emergency, any of the state's 230,000 water-right holders who were getting less than 75 percent of their normal water supply could request more water to help get them through the drought.
So far, farmers in Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Walla Walla and Yakima counties have asked to use existing emergency wells or to transfer or change existing water rights to maintain their water supply during this irrigation season. Also, one water district in King County has applied for an emergency water permit.
"It's pretty obvious where the state is hardest hit - from Okanogan County to Klickitat County and areas east of there," said Stohr. "We've heard from the farmers who knew in February and March that they wouldn't have enough water. In the coming months, we're likely to hear from folks who thought they could get by, but found they needed more water."
All together, Ecology has received 45 applications for emergency water permits since the drought emergency was declared; 38 were approved, and three were denied. Another 87 applications to change or transfer water rights have been filed; 74 have been approved, and three were denied.
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