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Washington Halts Water Use Amid Severe Drought Crisis

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Washington Department of Ecology halted surface water use Oct 6–31 to protect water for fish and senior rights holders.
Kittitas County faces drought after three years of low reservoir storage.
Over 1,500 water rights holders may be affected—first basin-wide curtailment of pre-1905 rights.
Communities such as Cle Elum and Roslyn are urged to conserve: stop outdoor irrigation, fix leaks.

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Story summary

The Washington Department of Ecology halted surface water use Oct 6–31 to protect water for fish and senior rights holders.
Kittitas County faces drought after three years of low reservoir storage.
Over 1,500 water rights holders may be affected—first basin-wide curtailment of pre-1905 rights.
Communities such as Cle Elum and Roslyn are urged to conserve: stop outdoor irrigation, fix leaks.