Water resources

We manage the state's water supply to meet the needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities. Water availability is increasingly limited in Washington.
We manage the state's water supply to meet the needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities. Water availability is increasingly limited in Washington.

Search Blog Posts

119 results.

July drought declaration still in effect

Despite January winter storms, snowpack and water supply forecasts are below normal according to the experts who recently gathered for the first Water Supply Availability Committee Meeting of 2024.

Questions about the Nooksack adjudication?

Ecology is hosting a Jan. 31 webinar to answer questions about the Nooksack water rights adjudication.

Ecology offering $1.8 million in grants for drought preparedness

Washington has seen a recent increase in both the frequency and severity of droughts. In anticipation of more, Ecology will soon offer $1.8 million in drought planning and preparedness grants.

Water Supply Update — time to start thinking about water supplies in 2024

Warmer than normal temperatures combined with lower than normal precipitation means the drought is ongoing, and may be here to stay a while. 

​​​Innovative conservation efforts save 50% more water at Auvil Fruit Company​

Through a partnership with Auvil Fruit Company, Ecology completed an innovative conservation and water banking project that has saved 50% more water at a Vantage orchard.

Water conditions east of the Cascades

Although many areas of the state are feeling the water pinch, curtailments are often a normal part of water management. Here’s what you need to know about water conditions east of the Cascades.

Looking for water right documents?

We've streamlined how we post water right documents and decisions. Our new online portal has most documents in one location for each of our four regions  

Washington’s water supply outlook
Because of a May heatwave, state watersheds lost almost half their snowpack in just 18 days. Now summer river forecasts in some watersheds predict low flows.
Washington’s water supply outlook
Snowpack is up and streamflows are down. The cold and dry conditions of early spring had some surprising impacts on Washington’s water supply outlook, but warm weather is on the way.
A collaborative approach for the Walla Walla Water 2050 initiative
Finding water supply solutions in the Walla Walla River Basin is a complex process. It takes time, resources, partnerships, and commitments to bold action.