KENNEWICK, WA – The Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) Board of Directors met in a special session today to review the Washington State Department of Ecology’s emergency order which halts all surface water diversions in the Yakima Basin beginning in the morning of Monday, October 6, 2025.
As a result, the last full day of water delivery will be Sunday, October 5, 2025.
This unprecedented shutoff is due to a third consecutive year of drought, which has led to historically low reservoir storage and river flows. Without stored water, precipitation and flows from the Yakima River are insufficient to meet demand, leaving only the most senior water rights holders with access.
““It is readily apparent to all users on the Yakima River the system is in jeopardy and action is necessary”, said Shane Leonard, District Manager for Kennewick Irrigation District. “KID will issue a more comprehensive response after our normally scheduled board meeting next week. I recognize the immediate impact this will have on KID customers and would ask them for their patience and understanding as we work with Ecology and our basin partners on next steps.”
KID remains in close communication with the Department of Ecology and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and will continue collaborating on long-term water management solutions for the Yakima Basin.