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Department of Ecology News Release - April 24, 2001
01-063
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.
Status of drought conditions
Water supply levels have improved slightly in most areas of the state; however, current levels are still far below normal.
Since October, precipitation across the state is 64 percent of normal. The city of Yakima has had 11 straight months of below-normal precipitation.
The National Weather Service predicts a warm, wet May through July, with precipitation slightly above normal. However, state and federal weather watchers are still saying it is probably too little, too late.
"Something extraordinary will have to happen in the weather to make a big difference," said Doug McDonnal, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service.
Find a water right on-line
This week, Ecology is launching a website dedicated to matchmaking – pairing up people, public utilities and farmers with water rights they need to get through this year's drought.
People who are willing to temporarily transfer part or all of their valid water rights to another person or company may post information on the Washington Water Exchange website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/drought/droughthome.html (Link removed 12/01/2003). In addition, people who may have much less water this year than they typically do may solicit additional water rights via the website.
"We are offering this service to help get water quickly to farms and communities that need it," said Joe Stohr, manager for Ecology's water resources program. "When summer approaches and people's traditional water supplies run low, we want to make it quick and easy to tap into alternative sources where the demand may not be as great."
Once people have found a possible match and determined that a legal transaction is possible, Ecology will review emergency water applications to determine whether they qualify under the drought emergency that was declared on March 14, said Stohr. During the emergency, Ecology must process transfers and changes of existing water rights and applications for emergency water permits under a streamlined, 15-day process that begins when Ecology receives a complete application.
In the past week, Ecology has received approximately 25 more emergency water applications and 3 emergency applications to change or transfer water rights; one application to change a water right was approved, the rest are under review.
Since mid-March, Ecology has received 28 applications for emergency water permits; 1 has been approved, and 13 have been denied. Since the drought declaration, Ecology has received 17 applications to change or transfer water rights; 11 have been approved.
Drought-relief funding will go quickly
On April 19, Ecology adopted an emergency rule to help efficiently and fairly distribute $5.1 million to help Washington communities get through the drought. The agency is also hopeful it will receive additional money from the federal government to help offset the effects of the drought in Washington state.
The state legislature established the Drought Preparedness Account for water conservation efforts in 1999. However, until now, there weren't any guidelines to direct how to spend the money.
"The demand for these limited funds will outstrip the amount available, so it's important to ensure the money is spent on our state's highest drought priorities – and the emergency rule will help us do that," said Stohr.
Ecology intends to divide the money for the following uses: to buy and lease water rights; for grants and loans to help conserve and deliver water for agriculture; and for grants and loans to public water utilities.
Public bodies, such as water utilities, cities, counties, irrigation districts and Indian tribes, may apply for drought financial assistance. The money is for projects and activities that would alleviate drought conditions that may harm people's health and safety.
Conservation tips for this week
Clean vegetables in a sink or pan partially filled with water, versus continually running tap water.
Re-use water that was used to wash vegetables for watering houseplants or for cleaning.
Media contact: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager,
360-407-6157; 360-534-8590 (pager)
Ecology's drought Web site:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/drought/droughthome.html (Link
removed 01/02/04.)
Ecology's drought hotline: 800-468-0261
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
