News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - July Forecast Released

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: July 08, 2013

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's July 2013, Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights.

"Even though the weather in June helped preserve water in the reservoirs, the natural runoff was below average and is forecasted to be below average for the rest of the summer," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

The July TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage, along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water will also influence streamflows, reservoir storage, and the actual water supply available.

"With the summer irrigation season in full swing, the reservoir system is being used to meet demands. We expect low reservoir storage at the end of the irrigation season, possibly the lowest we've seen since 2006. Water saved through good irrigation practices could help preserve a little more water in the reservoirs," Garner said.

For more information visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima .

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima