Department of Ecology News Release - July 10, 2001
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.
The latest forecast by the National Weather Service indicates that the amount of water in several major Washington rivers will be significantly less than previously predicted.
The agency predicted that, from April through September, the amount of water in those rivers would be at least 40,000 acre-feet, or 13 billion gallons, less than the amount forecasted in June.
For the Columbia River, the estimated amount of water is down by 1 million acre-feet between the June and July forecasts.
"If the forecasts prove accurate, this is significantly less water than we were hoping would be in the rivers," said Doug McChesney, who coordinates the drought response for the Department of Ecology. "This forecast indicates that we may have serious low-flow problems during the driest months, when water is needed both to irrigate crops and help fish migrate."
The July 1 water-supply forecast for the eight rivers is: Chelan River, 53 percent of average; Columbia River at The Dalles, 52 percent of average; Cowlitz River at Mayfield Reservoir, 70 percent; Okanogan River, 41 percent; Skagit River, 63 percent; Snake River at Lower Granite Reservoir, 47 percent; Wenatchee River, 54 percent; and the Yakima River, 44 percent.
Mike and Kelly Moeur of Ellensburg and Robert and Shirley Stewart, who own property in Ellensburg, are leasing their water rights to the Department of Ecology to keep the water in streams for fish.
For the past 30 years, the Moeurs grew timothy hay on their farm.
This year, they have chosen not to withdraw water. Instead, they signed a temporary lease to keep approximately 408 acre-feet, or 13.2 million gallons, of water in Spring Creek and Yakima River. Ecology is leasing the water from the Moeurs for $52,500.
For the past 25 years, the Stewarts also grew hay and pasture and raised cattle. Ecology will pay the Stewarts $30,000 to keep approximately 232 acre-feet, or 7.6 million gallons, of water in the Yakima River this year.
"We are so pleased that the Moeurs and Stewarts joined our efforts to help fish survive this year," said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons.
"Thanks to them and other people who are coming forward to offer their assistance, our fish populations have a better chance of making it through this incredibly difficult drought year."
The Department of Ecology has $3.5 million in state funds and authority to spend up to $6 million in federal funds to purchase or lease water rights. People or businesses interested in donating, selling or leasing their water rights should contact Ecology’s drought hotline at 800-468-0261.
Since March 14, when Ecology declared a drought emergency, farmers and municipalities in Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Walla Walla and Yakima counties have applied for 52 temporary emergency water permits and 109 temporary emergency transfers or changes to existing water rights to help maintain their water supplies.
Ecology has approved 44 applications and denied four applications for emergency water permits since the drought emergency was declared. The department also has approved 90 applications and denied three applications to change or transfer existing water rights.
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