While drought conditions continue in Central Washington, the numbers continue to get slightly better.
According to the latest numbers from the Bureau of Reclamation senior water rights holders in the Yakima Basin will receive 100 % of their entitlements, while junior water rights holder will see 58%, which is a 2% improvement from July’s numbers.
Reclamation’s August Water Supply Forecast shows reservoir storage at 57% percent full, and with the snowpack completely gone, those numbers aren’t expected to improve anytime soon. Meanwhile, precipitation for the month of July was 36% of average, while the October–July numbers were 112% of average.
Reclamation noted with prolonged dry conditions limiting reservoir inflows, available water will likely fall short of meeting all demands from the basin’s $4.5 billion agricultural sector while also maintaining the cool, flowing river conditions needed to support native fish populations.
“Snowpack and hydrologic forecasts are actively monitored using the best available science to guide water operations across the basin, and Reclamation remains committed to reliable water delivery as the region faces yet another drought year,” said Chad Stuart, Reclamation Yakima Field Office manager. “We value our long-standing partnerships with irrigators cross the Yakima basin, whose collaboration is essential as we work together to manage limited water supply.”
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