The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) released a preliminary forecast of a 96% water supply for Yakima Basin irrigation districts.
The number released today is an early estimate and conditions and water available to KID can change throughout the season due to things such as lack of precipitation or increased air temperatures. Though KID is a pro-ratable water right holder, the District is anticipating a near full annual water allotment for the 2017 water season, and does not anticipate the need for restrictions or mandatory enforcement of watering schedules, at this time.
KID would like to remind our customers that wise water use is always encouraged. We live in a region which receives an average of only 7 inches of precipitation per year. KID strongly recommends retraining your lawn to grow deeper roots which better withstand dry periods by watering turf grass less frequently, but for longer durations. Other water-wise ideas include use of high efficiency watering systems, replacing water thirsty lawn grass and planting vegetation with low-water requirements.