Water Shortages Expected In Central Washington, Ecology Warns

Washington's Columbia River Basin is expected to face growing water shortages over the next two decades.

According to a new Draft Forecast from the Washington Department of Ecology and the State of Washington Water Research Center at Washington State University, by the mid-2040s, less water will be available during the summer and early fall as warmer temperatures mean more winter rain, less snowpack, and earlier runoff. Researchers also warn groundwater supplies could continue to decline in some areas if pumping outpaces recharge.

“We are already experiencing the increased pressures that come from consecutive droughts,” said Melissa Downes, projects section manager for Ecology’s Office of Columbia River. "These pressures will grow as back-to-back droughts happen more often and for longer periods of time. That makes it even more important to understand the science and what challenges are coming our way. We use this framework to guide our decisions and help communities become more climate resilient.”

Groundwater Levels Remain At Risk

Washington law requires Ecology, every five years, to report on how changing water supply and demand could affect communities, farms, and fish over the following 20 years. The findings are intended to help elected officials and water managers identify current vulnerabilities and plan for long-term water supply needs. Some of the factors studied in the report are the same that led Ecology to issue a statewide drought declaration in April this year, the fourth year in a row for the Yakima River Basin and other parts of Eastern Washington.

The forecast also finds that groundwater levels remain at risk of declining, particularly the deeper aquifer layers. In some areas, this risk can be lowered by reducing future pumping or increasing recharge to the aquifer.

“We think of Washington as being a water-rich state," said Sasha McLarty, associate professor in Washington State University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the lead of the research team. "Unfortunately, our water supplies and demands are unevenly distributed across the state and seasons, which leads to vulnerable communities and ecosystems. These new findings can help to inform actions that we can take now to mitigate future vulnerabilities.”

Other forecast highlights include:

An increase in multi-year droughts, which could cause significant economic and environmental impacts
Benefits and tradeoffs of water conservation efforts
Emerging housing demands for water that are not included when assessing current needs

Share Your Thoughts

Ecology said this forecast is another indication of the widespread challenges facing water supplies statewide. Earlier this year, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson launched the Washington’s Water Future initiative to identify strategies to ensure clean, reliable water for people, fish, agriculture, and the economy.

Ecology said the findings are meant to help water managers and lawmakers plan now for a future with less reliable water supplies.

The Department is also accepting public comments on the draft Columbia Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast from through the end of July. After reviewing comments, Ecology will send a final report to the Legislature in November.

How to comment:

Go online to view the draft and leave comments
Attend in-person workshops to hear findings, ask questions, and submit comments in breakout groups
July 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Department of Ecology Central Region Office
1250 W Alder St., Union Gap
July 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Moses Lake City Hall
401 S Balsam St., Moses Lake
Register on Zoom for a virtual public comment workshop July 20th 4-6 p.m.