Drought Response
Drought expanded to Puget Sound and Central Washington regions
On June 5, 2025, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued a Drought Emergency Declaration for 19 watersheds that include all of Whatcom and Skagit counties, and portions of Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanagan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson and Ferry counties.
This declaration expanded the April 8, 2025, drought emergency declaration Ecology issued for the Yakima Basin watersheds, which include portions of Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton counties.
A drought declaration triggers emergency relief options to help serve Washington’s people and environment during a water supply shortage.
A drought advisory indicates areas that may develop drought conditions. This serves as an important readiness and voluntary water conservation tool. No impacts are anticipated to areas served by the utilities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma. They managed proactively managed for potential drought conditions early this year and have healthy reservoir storage.
Related links
Contact information
Caroline Mellor
Statewide Drought Lead
caroline.mellor@ecy.wa.gov
360-628-4666