Drought Management - Preparing for Drought Conditions
The state made preparations for an expected drought in 2010. See the Department of Ecology's Web site 2010 Drought Preparation. However, the colder and wetter than normal latter part of March and all of April and May have reduced the threat of drought in nearly all areas of the state. Since conditions exist for periodic water shortage, MRSC has retained links to informational materials related to the 2001 and 2005 droughts. In 2005, Govenor Christine Gregoire authorized the Department of Ecology to declare a statewide drought emergency through December 31, 2005. In addition to water and energy shortages, local governments were also faced with increased fire risk due to potential drought conditions. MRSC assembled sample ordinance provisions and other information to assist local governments in mitigating drought related problems. Some of the examples are emergency ordinance provisions enacted during the drought of 1992 and 2001. For additional State Information See the Department of Ecology's Water Supply Information and its Water Conservation Page.
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