It’s Early, But Irrigators Say No Drought Or Restrictions This Summer

Thanks to vastly improved weather conditions, and other factors, the Kennewick Irrigation District issued word Thursday that will have homeowners, and farmers breathing somewhat of a sigh of relief.

Of course, conditions can change. But as of early July, the KID does not anticipate any restrictions, outages, or staggered watering limitations we saw the last year or two. Other districts have some issues to deal with but most irrigators this season say it's much better.

The Bureau of Reclamation, who controls the water supply, says it will give KID 90% of it's allotment for this 2016 season.

They still urge consumers to use their water as wisely as they did last year, but there won't be restrictions. Due to fast runoff, and melting snow, water was released from mountain reservoirs two weeks earlier this year, and those facilities are expected to be low by the end of the season.

As long as temperatures remain normal or moderate this summer in higher elevations, snowpack and runoff should supply enough to avoid drought conditions.