Many of the areas in the drought emergency area are key agriculture areas, comprised of a mix of irrigated and dryland production, as well as livestock grazing dependent on pasture and other forage.
The US Secretary of Agriculture has designated most Eastern Washington counties federal agricultural disaster areas. Affected producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Services Agency office for information regarding financial assistance programs for forage and livestock losses.
Irrigators with junior water rights may face curtailment of their water rights in the Drought Emergency area later this summer, if streamflow drop to levels where senior water right holders make calls for their full supplies, or if necessary to protect instream flow water rights held by the state.
Smaller water systems and private landowners who rely on shallow wells should monitor their water levels and be prepared to reduce pumping. The past several years have featured lower than normal precipitation and aquifers have not fully recharged. Conditions can vary significantly, depending on the depth and location of your wells.
Water users worried their water supply is at risk of failing should contact the nearest Department of Ecology Regional Office.
A formal drought declaration allows us to provide emergency drought relief by:
- Expediting processes for Emergency Drought Permits
- Processing temporary transfers of water rights