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.

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Washington water law protects your water resources
Today marks the 100th anniversary of Washington's first water law, the foundation for how we manage water resources.
Even on the 'dry side' we can have healthy streamsides
Riparian restoration experts face many challenges including poor seedling survival, slow tree growth, disconnected floodplains, livestock damage, and competition from noxious weeds.
Watching the water supply
The balmy spring caused snowpack to melt at record rates. In early April, the state snowpack was slightly above normal. By late May, it was less than 50 percent of normal.
Rain barrels: I took the do-it-yourself challenge
You can find rain barrels for sale at garden supply centers, hardware stores and building supply chains, or you can order them online.
Water conservation activities for kids
Why not make learning about water conservation enjoyable, for you and your family? The web has a wealth of free learning materials for kids of all ages.
Watch your step: there’s not always solid ground beneath you
It's nice to be outside in this lovely fall weather, unless the ground gives out from under you and you find yourself looking up at those blue skies from the bottom of an abandoned water well.
How bad is the drought?
All but a smidgen of Washington state is in a "severe" drought and more than 31 percent of our state is in an "extreme" drought.
Washington’s future is parched
Warmer conditions in Washington mean increased risk of drought, no surprise there. What might be surprising is how much our changing climate has already impacted water supplies in Washington.
Drought Watch: Saving crops in Skagit County
Skagit Valley farmers who produce much of our nation's vegetable seed supply got a needed shot in the arm thanks to their local public utility district.
Snowpack at zero percent of normal; record lows for stream flows
Statewide, the average snowpack is zero percent of normal. That's right, you read that correctly, zero.