OLYMPIA — The state Department of Ecology has declared a statewide drought emergency for everywhere except cities with large storage basins.
The drought update was issued Friday, April 19, with the agency predicting a warm, dry spring. According to the agency, the weather forecast will leave many watershed statewide with low water.
The declaration allows state agencies to provide drought-related assistance in a more timely manner.
Gov. Jay Inslee calked up this year’s forecast drought to global warming.
“As our climate continues to change, we’re increasingly seeing our winters bring more rain and less snow,” Inslee said. “We depend on that winter snowpack to meet the needs of Washington’s farmers, fish, and communities during the dry summer months. And this year, it’s just not at the level we’re accustomed to and rely on.”
With the declaration, the state will be able to make $4.5 million available to respond to drought-related emergencies.
“By moving quickly to declare a drought, we can begin delivering financial support to water systems with drought impacts, and work with water users to find solutions to challenges before they become a crisis,” Ecology Director Laura Watson said.
State Agriculture Director Derek Sandison said the state needs to focus on water management before droughts hit.
“Snowpack, rainfall and irrigation flows from major rivers provide the necessary water supply to sustain our communities and the agriculture industry,” Sandison said. “The anticipated drought conditions this year emphasize the importance of building drought resilience into water management strategies throughout the state.”
The declaration could have an impact on water spillage over dams in Eastern Washington.
State Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind said low-water flows are a concern for his agency.
“It could be a difficult year for fish and other aquatic wildlife,” Susewind said.
This is the second summer in a row that that state has predicted a drought.
Last year, the state issued a drought emergency warning for 12 watersheds in the state.
Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said he will be monitoring the drought situation and any potential effects in the 9th Legislative District, which includes Whitman, southern Spokane, and eastern Adams and Franklin Counties, among others.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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