Plenty Of Water For Growers This Summer

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Yakima Basin Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for June 2011 indicates a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights, according to Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. Garner said water managers and fisheries can expect above normal runoff this season thanks to above average snowpack and reservoir storage. Both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply. The water supply forecast will be updated each month through July. Specific water delivery levels will be determined later in the year when storage begins to decline, likely in late June or early July.

The June TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of June 1 along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that determine the timing of the runoff and the demand for water are also critical in determining streamflows, distribution of water, and reservoir storage. Garner said that the snowmelt, the summer weather, and the irrigation demands are still important and can influence the carry over storage at the end of the season. He advises all Yakima basin water users to use their water prudently.