Chapter 173-167 WAC – Emergency Drought Funding (2025)
Ecology adopted another Emergency Drought Funding Rule Dec. 5, 2025, under chapter 173-167 WAC to keep emergency drought grant availability to relieve hardship due to water supply deficits while the emergency drought order continues.
An emergency rule remains in effect for 120 days unless withdrawn earlier. The previous rule expired Dec. 5, leading Ecology to adopt another subsequent emergency drought funding rule. The rule and grant application will be open until April 3, 2026.
A drought emergency and the funding rule currently apply in all or portions of Yakima, Kittitas, Benton, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanogan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson, and Ferry counties. Ecology may extend the emergency rule and funding availability based on evolving drought conditions. If the emergency rule is extended, this webpage will be updated to reflect the extended date to which applications may be submitted. A permanent rule for emergency drought grants is forthcoming and will allow Ecology to remain responsive to drought-related hardships.
Rulemaking timeline
Rule adoption phase (CR-103E)
Third emergency rule
Adoption and effective date:
Dec. 5, 2025
Rule expiration date:
April 4, 2026
Rule adoption documents:
- Adoption Notice – CR-103E
- Adopted rule language
- Rule Implementation plan
- Exemption to Environmental Justice Assessment
Second emergency rule
Adoption and effective date:
Aug. 7, 2025
Rule expiration date:
Dec. 5, 2025
Rule adoption documents:
- Adoption Notice - CR-103E
- Adopted rule language
- Rule Implementation Plan
- Exemption to Environmental Justice Assessment
First emergency rule
Adoption and effective date:
April 8, 2025
Rule expiration date:
Aug. 7, 2025
Rule adoption documents:
Related links
Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.