Governor Jay Inslee Declares Drought Emergency

Only the Tacoma, Seattle and Everett metro areas are exempt from the emergency. Such an emergency means the water supply is projected to be 75% below average and water users may be at risk of undue hardship. With this declaration, the state Department of Ecology may provide emergency relief in the form of expedited processing for emergency drought permits, temporary transfers of water rights, funding assistance for public entities, and public education workshops.