![The Tunnel 5 Fire burned more than 550 acres in the Columbia River Gorge in early July. Photo courtesy Heather Tianen](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Story_Clark-County-Today-With-wildfire-season-in-full-swing-Washington-declares-drought-emergency.jpg)
The announcement changes the classification of those counties from drought advisories to drought emergencies
Timothy Schumann
The Center Square Washington
With wildfire season in full swing in Washington, the Department of Ecology has issued a declaration covering 12 counties spanning west to east from Whatcom to Walla Walla.
The announcement Monday changes the classification of those counties, listed below, from drought advisories to drought emergencies, citing “early snowmelt, a lack of spring rain and low streamflows.”Â
![Drought declared for 12 watersheds in parts of Skagit, Whatcom, Clallam, Kittitas, Yakima, Snohomish, Jefferson, Walla Walla, Columbia, Okanogan, Benton, and Klickitat counties. Image courtesy of the Washington State Department of Ecology](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Story_Clark-County-Today-64bef5f47ac88.jpg)
The list of counties affected is as follows;
- Benton
- Clallam
- Columbia
- Jefferson
- Kittitas
- Klickitat
- Okanogan
- Skagit
- Snohomish
- Walla Walla
- Whatcom
- Yakima
A more detailed map of affected areas is available on the Department of Ecology’s website.
According to the Department of Ecology, drought emergencies are declared in Washington state when there is 75% or less than normal water supply, and there is an additional risk of hardship to communities.
Hardships such as “limits on water users with more junior water rights, difficulties with fish passage, and a need to truck in drinking water to residents” are already occurring in the counties listed in the declaration.
The declaration opens up legal avenues for granting emergency water rights permits as well as transfers of water rights to those in need.
Additionally, legislation passed earlier this spring makes $3 million in emergency drought relief funds available for disbursement in grant form to assist communities, irrigation districts, tribal governments, and other public entities facing hardships.
“This drought is already harming Washington communities, businesses and farms, and it’s another sign of the damage that climate change is causing to our state,” said Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson in a statement issued with the announcement. “Today’s drought declaration will help to rapidly deliver relief to these areas, but we need to also be taking steps to manage water wisely and prepare for a drier future.”
In the north, Nooksack Basin has three water systems currently operating on emergency status, and some wells have even gone dry.
On the western tip of the state, the Clallam County PUD is trucking in water due to low streamflow, with some areas such as Neah Bay placed on mandatory watering restrictions since mid-May.
In the eastern portion of the state covered by the Walla Walla basin, there have been reports that portions of the watershed have dried up completely, leading to crop losses.
Ria Berns, manager of the Department of Ecology’s Water Resources program, warns that what we’re seeing may be the new normal.
“Climate change is making warm, dry summers more frequent, and droughts more severe. What we’re seeing this year is likely a sign of things to come,” said Berns.
More information on drought preparedness for Washington residents is available on the Department of Ecology website.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.