January to May 2024 Edition
Welcome to the online newsletter! You can peruse summaries of the articles below and navigate between pages using the links on the left. If you encounter any issues or would like to provide feedback, please email waawra.webmaster@gmail.com. Enjoy!
President's Notes
Highlights of recent AWRA-WA updates, activities, and volunteer opportunities from President Katherine Taiclet. Full article
2024 State Conference Announcement
We are pleased to announce that the AWRA-WA State Conference will be held on October 8th, 2024 at the Mountains Seattle Program Center! This year's conference is titled Drinkable, Fishable, Swimmable: Protecting Washington's Waters and will focus on the importance of clean water and ongoing work to address water quality concerns throughout the state. View conference details and register
Upcoming Virtual Poster Series
We are kicking off a new virtual poster series in early May with a presentation on Moses Lake Water Supply Challenges & Adaptive Response by Richard Law, the City Engineer for the City of Moses Lake. The presentation will take place virtually on Thursday, May 9th. View poster series details and register
2024 AWRA-WA Board Member Updates
Please welcome our newest member to the 2024 AWRA-WA board, Chelsea Jefferson! Chelsea is the Statewide Permitting and Data Quality Coordinator with the Department of Ecology Water Resources Program and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board. We also want to thank Tom FitzHugh for his many years of service to AWRA-WA and the water resources community. Tom retired from the board at the end of 2023. View the current 2024 Board Members
Recent Updates to Surface Water Quality Standards in Washington
The Washington State Department of Ecology has recently updated surface water quality standards to align with state priorities and scientific advancements. Ecology has completed rulemaking for outstanding resource waters and habitat protection, and additional revisions to natural conditions provision and aquatic life toxics criteria are being considered. Full article
Washington Snowpack and Water Supply in Spring 2024
Washington State faces below-average snowpack conditions and a nearly statewide drought declaration due to this year’s El Niño winter, resulting in implications for water supply and drought management. In the Yakima Basin, water management complexities arise amidst projections of reduced entitlements for junior water rights holders. Despite an expected shift to La Niña conditions, the late timing of the shift offers little respite for the current water year's challenges. Full article
2024 Drought in Washington: Rising to the Challenge
In 2024, Washington state is experiencing yet another drought emergency, with snowpack levels well below normal and water supplies projected to be impacted. This recurring crisis poses significant challenges for irrigators, municipalities, tribal communities, and wildlife reliant on freshwater. Efforts are underway to address these issues, including the establishment of a drought preparedness grant program and emergency water transfers. Organizations like the Washington Water Trust are actively engaged in implementing drought response projects and restoring stream flows, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the resilience of Washington's water resources amidst the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts driven by climate change. Full Article
Job Posting - Project Associate at Washington Water Trust
Washington Water Trust is hiring a full time Project Associate, based out of their eastern Washington field office in Ellensburg, Washington. The position will provide direct project management support to WWT’s statewide streamflow restoration efforts, with a focus on the Walla Walla, Yakima, and Klickitat/White Salmon watersheds. Applications are due May 24th with an anticipated start date in July.
Read more and apply
Not a Member? Join AWRA-WA! Please visit the Membership page to register.
Thank You, 2023 AWRA-WA Basin Sponsors!
Visit the Sponsorship Page or contact Katherine Taiclet for information about supporting AWRA-WA
