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Department of Ecology News Release - April 10, 2001
01-056OLYMPIA - Following is the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) weekly report about the status of drought conditions in Washington and what citizens can do or are doing to conserve and share water.
Current conditions and forecast
The wet, cool weather of the past week has momentarily stabilized Washington's snow pack. However, the snow that fell was dry and powdery, with very little water content, and thus did little to improve the drought outlook this year.
Doug McChesney, a hydrogeologist with the Department of Ecology, described the current situation as, "We're treading in shallow water. If we get a shot of warm, windy weather, we could lose that snow pretty quickly."
In most of the state, precipitation in March and early April was at or below normal. According to McChesney, the cooler temperatures have been the greatest help. "They help us hold onto the little bit of snow pack we have," he said.
The forecasted flows in the Columbia River have continued to drop during the past month, indicating that the drought is still growing. On March 1, the National Weather Service predicted that the runoff in the Columbia from April through September would be 55.4 million acre-feet. But the newer, April 1 forecast was revised to 52.6 million acre-feet.
The lowest flow ever recorded in the Columbia River was 51 million acre-feet in 1977. When asked whether the river could drop to that level this year, McChesney said, "It will be close."
Conservation tips for this week
Studies show that dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for as much as 14 percent of all indoor water use, adding up to 10 gallons a day per person.
Each home's water meter can be used to check for leaks in the water line. Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances, and make sure no one uses water during the testing period. Take a reading from the water meter; wait for about 30 minutes, then take a second reading. If the dial has moved, there is a leak.
CONTACT: Sheryl Hutchison, Communications Director, (360) 407-7004
Drought Web site and hotline: www.ecy.wa.gov/ (click "Drought") or 800-468-0261
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
