Drought declared in WA due to low snowpack, dry forecast

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Ecology has declared a statewide drought due to a low snowpack and forecasts for a dry, warm spring and summer.

Ecology is making up to $4.5 million available in drought response grants to qualifying public entities to respond to impacts from the current drought conditions. Ecology also is working closely with other state agencies to coordinate the drought response.

“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.

In Washington, drought is declared when there is less than 75 percent of normal water supply and there is a risk of undue hardship. Declaring a drought emergency allows Ecology to distribute drought response grants and to process emergency water right permits and transfers.

The statewide snowpack currently stands at 68 percent with some areas significantly lower. Stream flows in many basins are already below 75 percent of normal.

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