Publication Summary

Historically, Washington residents have enjoyed an abundance of clean, accessible water in a water-rich state. However, residents find they can no longer take water availability for granted. Washington increasingly lacks water when and where it is needed for communities and the environment. Many factors affect water availability. Global warming is resulting in reduced snow packs and higher temperatures. Rapid population growth means more water is being used. Ongoing development increases the land covered with buildings and pavement. This causes less water to be absorbed through the ground to feed wells and summer stream flows.