Washington drought threatens irrigation for Tri-Cities customers

The Kennewick Irrigation District is bracing for a tough irrigation season as Washington state declares a drought emergency in Benton County, according to reporting from the Tri-City Herald.  

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s water supply forecast for the Yakima Basin predicts that junior water rights holders will receive only 48% of their entitlement, significantly lower than last year’s 72%. 

In response, KID is implementing a voluntary watering schedule starting April 1. If conditions worsen, mandatory restrictions may follow, similar to the 2015 drought, which forced multiple supply shutoffs.