OLYMPIA, Wash.-After a warmer-than-usual winter, the Washington Department of Ecology is taking steps to minimize the impact of a lower than average water supply for the Yakima Basin during the warm months ahead.
Ecology predicts that the Yakima Basin will begin the 2024 irrigation season with about 72 percent of its normal water supply and is urging residents to be mindful of their water usage this year.
No water use restrictions are currently in place in Yakima, however, that could change in the coming months, according to Ecology.
Washington declared a drought emergency in the Yakima Basin in July of 2023, which remains in effect until June 30, and may be extended depending on water levels.
Ecology does expect to issue curtailment notices to junior water right users in the Yakima Basin to prevent the further decline of water levels, according to a press release on 2024 water level predictions.
Due to the reduced water supply throughout the Yakima Basin, residents can apply to dig emergency drought wells.
Water users in pro-ratable irrigation districts can apply for one-year authorizations to pump from emergency drought wells, according to Ecology.
Emergency wells work to supplement diminished water deliveries when the Basin’s water supply is forecast below 75 percent.
For residents that apply for an emergency drought well, Ecology will confirm that there is enough groundwater in the location for a well and that it may legally be used.
Help through the application process is available online through Ecology, or by calling 509-931-0976.
The water outlook for the Yakima Basin is subject to change based on spring weather and Ecology will publish an updated outlook on April 4.
