Washington's Water Future
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Rather than just complaining about drought conditions and potential water shortages for farmers, the state Department of Ecology has launched ‘Washington’s Water Future’, a plan to solicit ideas for policies that could stretch water supplies for future needs.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President, Jon DeVaney says it’s time we realize that things are changing …
DeVANEY … “Just recognizing that it’s not a short-term problem that will go away and go back to normal necessarily. You know, after four years of water flow management issues and resulting in declared drought, it is definitely time to start thinking about adapting to what the weather pattern is now.”
This new plan, DeVaney says might bring some solutions …
DeVANEY … “Where we’re going to have a chance as ag, and as other stakeholders around the state, to give input on what kinds of investments and changes might be necessary to make our water management and irrigation systems more resilient.”
I asked DeVaney if there’s been any talk of adding more reservoirs? …
DeVANEY … “The fact that Ecology and the Governor’s office are pointing to that Yakima Basin Integrated Plan as a model for these kinds of discussions statewide, to me, indicates that additional investment in storage is definitely under consideration.”
That, DeVaney says could be very good for growers …
DeVANEY … “Obviously, we are very interested in making sure that the supplies are dependable for agriculture, but those investments tend to have system-wide benefits too.”
Ecology plans to meet with local and tribal governments, industries and utilities, and others to come up with ideas to conserve and store water.
