Washington declares first statewide drought emergency in over a decade as early snowmelt threatens summer water supplies

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington Department of Ecology issued the state’s first statewide drought emergency in more than a decade this week, marking a significant escalation from the regional drought conditions that have affected parts of Washington for the past three years.

Early snowmelt from an already thin snowpack is increasing flow of the Spokane River.

“This is too early for that to happen,” said Jaime Short, water resources manager for the Eastern Region of the Department of Ecology, referring to the premature melting of the snowpack caused by recent sunny conditions.

Short explained that officials expect river flows to drop significantly below normal levels this summer.

“We’re expecting that we’re going to see river flows at less than 75% coverage, and that there’s going to be a negative impact,” Short said.

The drought emergency carries particular implications for Central Washington’s agricultural sector, where farmers depend on consistent irrigation flows to maintain the region’s agricultural productivity. The reduced water availability could affect the variety and quantity of produce typically available at local farmers markets.

“What’s available this year might be a little bit different, or there might be a little less of it,” Short noted.

While the Inland Northwest has historically managed dry summer conditions better than other regions due to its substantial aquifer system, water resource experts emphasize that even this underground reservoir has limitations.

“We’re a little protected or insulated because our aquifer is so prolific. But it is definitely, innately connected to that precipitation and we really rely on that snowpack to continue our stream flows into the later parts of the summer,” Short explained.

The concerns extend to the Spokane River itself, with many water resource experts worried that portions of the river could run dry again this year, echoing conditions seen in previous drought years.

In response to the emergency declaration, the City of Spokane has begun implementing water conservation measures and encouraging residents to modify their water usage habits. City officials are asking residents to delay turning on irrigation systems and adjust their watering schedules.

“There’s no reason to start turning on your sprinklers until at least mid-May and maybe even later this year,” said Kirstin Davis with the City of Spokane City.

The city recommends that residents limit their watering to specific hours and water only every other day during the summer months. These conservation efforts aim to preserve water resources during what officials anticipate will be a challenging summer season.

To support long-term water conservation efforts, Spokane’s parks department has begun transitioning to automated irrigation equipment that can be programmed with timers to prevent overwatering of public green spaces.