Washington declares statewide drought emergency as dismal snowpack threatens water supply
KOMO • • nation
Key Points:
- Washington state officials have declared a statewide drought emergency due to near-record low mountain snowpack caused by a warm winter, despite normal overall precipitation falling mostly as rain rather than snow.
- The low snowpack threatens summer water supplies, fish habitats, and increases wildfire risks, with projections indicating water supplies will fall far short of demand.
- This marks the fourth consecutive year with drought conditions in parts or all of Washington, reflecting a trend linked to climate change and rising winter temperatures.
- The Washington Department of Ecology is providing up to $3 million in drought emergency response grants and expediting water right permits to help manage the crisis.
- Residents are urged to conserve water and check with local utilities about conservation measures, although major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett do not currently anticipate service impacts.
