Publication Summary

This report tells the story of our past year, presenting the "hard" numbers related to the Program's varied activities as well as feature articles that tell some of the stories the numbers alone cannot. The availability of water determines our quality of life and the success of our farms, businesses and industries—and our competitive position in the global economy. Historically, Washington residents have enjoyed an abundance of water, but with population growth and a changing environment, water availability can no longer be taken for granted. We are working closely with communities around the state to provide sustainable water management, to meet current water needs and ensure future water availability for people and the natural environment. This report highlights some of our recent successes and challenges. Featured are some of the Water Resources Program staff who work every day in support of sustainable water resource management. Permit writers, compliance officers, environmental specialists, computer experts, watermasters, hydrogeologists, and numerous others put hours of research and work into every water management-related decision and recommendation.