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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 3, 1999
99-224
Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610
YAKIMA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has approved a request by the city of West Richland to drill a new well that should improve water delivery during seasons of peak use.
For several years, the city has reported that some wells yield less water than should be expected under the city's various water-right certificates. In addition, sand is being pumped from some wells, damaging pumps and lessening the efficiency of water delivery from the wells.
In January 1997, the city filed a request under an existing irrigation water right to change where water is withdrawn so that a new well could be drilled to augment the city's water supply during the irrigation season.
"West Richland's water supply situation has been worsening for sometime," explained Dan Weis, a water manager with Ecology. "The sand problem has damaged pump equipment and hampered the city's ability to supply water to its customers. A new well should alleviate the problem of seasonal shortfalls without impairing other water rights."
The recommended change will allow the city to pump 1,400 gallons per minute, or 779 acre-feet per year, of water to meet peak demands within the municipal system from March 15 to Oct. 31. In addition, the city must install a water meter on the well and take weekly measurements to document water use.
The approval of the water right change may be appealed to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
