Yakima Basin’s Tight Water Availability Continues

Central Washington irrigators continue to face limited water supplies.  The Bureau of Reclamation’s September forecast said irrigation demands will not be fully met, as the region starts to wrap up its 4th consecutive year of drought.

The latest projection means senior water-rights holders are expected to receive their full entitlements, while junior water-rights holders are projected to receive 60%, a two-percentage point increase from August’s forecast.  As of September 1st, central Washington reservoirs were just 33% full, holding about 349,000 acre-feet, which is roughly 71% of average.

“As we wind down operations for the season, we recognize that this water year has been challenging for communities, irrigators, and partners across the basin,"  said Candace Carmack, Reclamation acting Columbia Cascade Area Office manager.  "Despite these difficulties, we remain steadfast in our commitment to reliable delivery of reliable water throughout the Yakima basin."

Reclamation said prolonged dry conditions are limiting reservoir inflows, leaving less water available for the Yakima Basin’s agricultural economy while also maintaining river flows needed for native fish.

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