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Department of Ecology News Release - May 22, 2001
01-088
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
A drought emergency still is in effect for all parts of Washington. Recent precipitation has helped stabilize water supplies, but they have not provided relief for overall conditions. Eastern Washington is emerging as the primary area of concern.
"While many of us are enjoying the sunny, warm weather, that's not good news for the snow pack," said Doug McChesney, Ecology's drought coordinator. "We are seeing dramatic increases in the snow melting, which means more water in the streams now, but far less in the late summer."
The water content in the snow pack that feeds the Spokane and Palouse basins is at 39 percent of normal; Columbia and Methow basins at 47 percent; Wenatchee basin at 60 percent; lower Yakima at 41 percent; Walla Walla at 8 percent; Lewis and Cowlitz at 71 percent; Puyallup, White and Green at 78 percent; and Cedar and Snoqualmie at 73 percent.
People should avoid using water they don't have a right to
During a drought, it's more important than ever that people do not use water unless they have a valid water right or receive water through a utility.
The Ecology Department is responsible for policing water use to protect the supply for those who have valid rights. With water levels in the Columbia and Methow rivers running low for much of April and May, the department's inspectors are actively looking for people who are withdrawing water without a water permit or who are not in compliance with the conditions of their permit.
"So far, people seem to be complying," said Ecology inspector Kevin Brown. "However, there are some areas along the Columbia that we will investigate further in coming weeks."
Along the Columbia River, Ecology has inspected 16 small farms that have been directed to stop withdrawing water. None of them were withdrawing water. In fact, in some areas, water levels are 20 feet below the pumps that would take the water out of the Columbia.
Elsewhere along the Columbia, Ecology has inspected four large farms and found that some may be taking more water out of the river than they are authorized. Ecology will further investigate those water withdrawals.
Along the Methow River, Ecology has inspected 32 small farms and homes and determined that all of them are complying with instructions to stop withdrawing water for most of April and the first half of May. During that period of time, the Methow River was below the minimum flows required by state regulation.
Again today and for much of April and May, Ecology directed about 300 farmers, businesses and homeowners who have interruptible water rights for the Columbia, Methow and Okanogan rivers to halt their withdrawals until water levels rise again. The Columbia River water-right holders were offered the opportunity in April to receive additional water, purchased by the state, if they agreed to increase their conservation efforts and document the savings; those that accepted the offer may continue watering this week.
Ecology continues issuing many water rights to help people get water
In the past week, Ecology did not receive any new emergency water applications; however, the agency approved seven from previous weeks. The agency also received seven emergency applications to change or transfer water rights; 17 were approved.
All together, Ecology has received 36 applications for emergency water permits since the drought emergency was declared on March 14; 27 were approved, and the rest are being reviewed. Another 70 applications to change or transfer water rights have been filed; 57 have been approved, and three were denied.
Conservation tips for this week
When washing dishes, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of running water.
Keep a bottle of cold drinking water in the refrigerator versus running tap water until it becomes cold enough.
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 12/01/2003)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
