WASHINGTON STATE – The Yakima Basin is experiencing one of the worst droughts in over 30 years, leading to an unprecedented halt on surface water use by the Department of Ecology. This decision affects many across the state.
Heather Simmons, Water Resource Section Manager for the Department of Ecology, explained the situation.
“We regulate based on priority. And so, if the most senior user cannot get their water, then all other junior users must shut off,” said Simmons.
She noted that that’s exactly what happened; the basin’s streamflow is so low that even the most senior water right holders are not receiving enough water. The recent dry climate has contributed to these low levels.
“We are just seeing no fall precipitation so far and our stream flows are also extremely low. And then us issuing these widespread orders throughout the basin is also the first time we’ve done that. This is an adjudicated basin, and this is the first time we’ve issued such far reaching orders like this,” said Simmons.
This halt on water use is impacting communities, municipalities and various water users in Yakima, Kittitas and Benton counties.
“It’s impacting our communities; it’s impacting our municipalities. These orders are going out to all surface water users in the main stem are the Yakima River in all three counties Yakima, Kittitas, Benton counties. They’re going out to tributaries, they’re going to irrigators, they’re going to individual landowners and homeowners,” said Simmons.
However, Simmons shared that temperatures are dropping, and many irrigators have already shut off. If streamflow improves, some cutbacks may be lifted.
“We understand that it creates a lot of anxiety and a lot of uncertainty. Water scarcity is a reality that we’re having to live under. And so, we just encourage everyone to do their part and to conserve water. Cities will be reaching out to their constituents, asking them to cease irrigating their lawns and other ways that they can save water,” said Simmons.
The surface water halts will begin October 6 and last until the end of the month. Those uncertain about how they may be affected can contact Ecology’s customer service line at 509-575-2597. You can also reach them at WRCRO@ecy.wa.gov.
