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 02, 2014

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's July 2014 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates that there will be a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights this irrigation season.

Reclamation issues water supply forecasts monthly from March to July. Specific water delivery levels are determined after reservoir storage begins to decline.

The July TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of July 1, along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that help determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water are also critical in determining streamflows, prorationing and reservoir storage.

"The Yakima Basin Reservoirs filled in early June, but we have been using reservoir storage to meet basin demands since June 18, almost a week earlier than normal," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "We have an adequate water supply, but expect lower end-of-season reservoir storage this year; lower than we've seen in eight years." Garner recommends that water conservation always be a consideration in the Yakima Basin.

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