Drought 2019: Frequently asked questions

In Washington, sources of water for farming; municipal, industrial, and domestic use; and to support the natural environment depend on ample precipitation in the form of rain and snow. This precipitation feeds rivers and streams and seeps into groundwater aquifer sources.

We are responsible for monitoring water supply and drought conditions and taking action when drought conditions exist or are anticipated. Thresholds for drought conditions are defined in statute by the Washington State Legislature and in regulations (WAC 173-166 WAC). The determination requires a consideration of hydrologic and climate conditions and their potential impacts, in consultation with state and federal experts in hydrology and water supply forecasting.

This year, due to a combination of low snowpack and low precipitation, 27 watersheds were identified as meeting the hydrologic threshold and having the potential for hardships. These watersheds are the subject of the state emergency declaration.

Drought conditions expose different populations and communities to different levels of vulnerabilities. For example, residents of large cities with storage and infrastructure are at low risk, while residents of smaller water systems lacking storage or source redundancy are at higher risk.

Similarly, a farmer diverting from a small creek may be more vulnerable to losing access to water than a farmer taking water from a larger river which can support more out-of-stream use in a dry year. 

In Washington, we have a legal definition of drought that is based on water availability. There are two factors we consider before an emergency drought declaration to be made: 

• Water supply conditions, such as streamflow levels, are currently or projected to be at or below 75 percent of average, and
• There is potential for undue hardships to water users and uses

When these conditions occur, we can declare a drought emergency. At this time, there is no designation that exists describing a milder status, such as an advisory, though we have recommended to the Legislature that such authority be granted.

By declaring a drought emergency, we can offer vital support to these communities. This designation allows us to expedite emergency water right permitting. For instance, one farmer may lease water to another farmer and we can expedite that transfer.

It also allows us to make funds available to address hardships caused by drought conditions. On June 4, we announced a grant program to help with drought response. We also empower our partner state agencies and local conservation and irrigation districts to provide a range of emergency services.

Ecology always has the authority to regulate water use within the parameters of state law. This includes regulating junior users of water (those with the newest water rights) if needed to protect more senior users, including instream flows. Drought declarations inform us that drought conditions are prevalent and that regulation of water use may occur, and possibly earlier than usual in a given year.

In Washington, domestic water use is managed at the local level by city, county, and private water utilities. Ecology does not impose specific restrictions on water use for private homeowners. We always encourage everyone to use water wisely. Restrictions on outdoor watering may be imposed by local utilities in any year. Residents should contact their local water purveyors for updated information about water supply and storage.

Water supply conditions will continue to evolve over the spring and summer. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for any potential drought-related fishing restrictions.