KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Ecology is working on a new safety net for water users along the Columbia River to prevent loss of access during future droughts.
The “Columbia River Drought Insurance Program” is designed to help hundreds of water-right holders who risk losing irrigation access during dry years.
The Columbia River is a crucial water source for many in Eastern Washington. During a declared drought, some users may be forced to turn off their pumps entirely.
State officials are introducing a new program to prevent this from happening again. This initiative is part of a broader effort to secure water resources as the region faces more frequent dry years.
The last official drought for the Columbia River occurred in 2001. Historically, droughts happen roughly every 20 years. Officials believe a declaration could happen soon.
The Department of Ecology describes the new program as drought relief. It aims to assist about 400 interruptible water-right holders along the Columbia who must stop pumping during drought years.
“It’s an entirely voluntary program. There are no premiums. And the program is just starting — now is the time for public input and feedback on how we can best run it,” said a state official.
Under the plan, the Department of Ecology would acquire senior water rights that could be leased temporarily if a drought is declared. This approach is not traditional insurance as there are no premiums or automatic costs.
“This is a program to help people — to help agriculture, help fish. We’re not charging people just for fun. It’s truly a service that people can choose to use if we are in that kind of emergency,” said another official.
The program is designed to be adaptive and responsive to changing environmental conditions and water supply needs.
Officials hope to have the program ready by this upcoming spring, before the next potential drought determination on the Columbia.
While the program is still in development, the Department of Ecology says it is just one part of a larger strategy to manage water resources. The agency is also exploring long-term projects to address future shortages.
Public feedback is being collected through early next year.
More information on the program can be found on the Western Water Market’s website.
Feedback can be provided by contacting someone with the Department of Ecology, their information can be found on their website.
