Washington's DOE declares drought emergency

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology issued a drought emergency for nearly all of the state July 14.

A drought emergency declaration means water supply is projected to be below 75% of average, and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users and uses.

"While the governor's drought declaration is welcome and expected news, it is long overdue for our part of the state," Senator Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) said, a wheat farmer whose 9th Legislative District includes several counties that have faced drought conditions for months.

Seattle, Tacoma and Everett are excluded from the dro...