Ecology: Drought Conversation Must Be About The Long Term

The snowpack in several locations across Washington is not very good for this time of year, which has many people concerned about the possibility of drought.  When talking about drought, the state Department of Ecology is not just talking about the here and now, but also the potential for drought this summer across the Evergreen State.  And that, the DOE’s Caroline Mellor said means much more than dryness in the final days of winter.

“Our state law around drought talks about water supply and we know it really matters for folks is water supply impacts.  So, we encourage folks when they think about drought, to think about not just is it dry today, but what are the impacts that are happening to water supply into stream flow and rivers and streams in my area for farms and for fish and people.”

Mellor added when thinking about drought, she asks that everyone think about the medium- and long-term picture.  She added these patterns that result in dry and drought conditions are occurring more often.

“And by patterns, I mean these warmer winters, snowpack droughts.  We're seeing these occur more often and I would encourage folks to think about these conditions and these changes in stream flow and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns is becoming more of our regular experience here in Washington; no matter which side of the Cascades you’re on," Mellor said.  "And I encourage folks to think about drought resilience and drought preparedness and if there's changes in whether it is crops, or watering practices, or efficiency, or conservation options.”

Mellor added that long-term thinking is really important to help folks set themselves up for long-term success.

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