Washington State Declares Drought Emergency
Washington State Declares Drought Emergency
July 25, 2023
Early snowmelt, a lack of spring rain, and low streamflows prompted the Washington State Department of Ecology to declare a drought emergency for 12 watersheds in parts of 12 counties on July 24, 2023.
Streamflows and reservoir levels in some areas are far below normal, with forecasts indicating little likelihood that conditions will improve this summer. These conditions are leading to undue hardship for water users, including small community water systems and farmers.
A formal drought declaration in Washington state allows the Department of Ecology to provide emergency drought relief by:
Expediting processes for Emergency Drought Permits.
Processing temporary transfers of water rights.
Providing funding assistance for public entities (municipalities, irrigation districts, PUDs, etc.).
Water users worried their water supply is at risk of failing should contact the nearest Department of Ecology Regional Office.
Northwest Region Office
Counties served: Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Location: 15700 Dayton Ave. N., Shoreline WA 98133 Mail: P.O. Box 330316, Shoreline WA 98133-9716 Phone: 206-594-0000 Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Southwest Region Office
Counties Served: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum Location: 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Mail: P.O. Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775 Phone: 360-407-6300 Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Central Region Office
Counties served: Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima Location: 1250 West Alder Street, Union Gap, WA 98903-0009 Phone: 509-575-2490 Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Eastern Region Office
Counties served: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Location: 4601 N Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205-1295 Phone: 509-329-3400 Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.