3. Challenges in Water Infrastructure Maintenance and Upkeep
Looking Back: Highlights and Low Points of 2024’s Water Year
As we reflect on the highlights and low points of 2024’s water year, it’s important to consider the impact of water availability, use, and conservation efforts. In this article, we’ll explore the key events and developments in the world of water management over the past year, from both positive and negative perspectives. We’ll also provide insights and practical tips for individuals, communities, and organizations looking to make a positive difference in water sustainability. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the water year of 2024.
Looking Back: Highlights and Low Points of 2024’s Water Year
The Good: Highlights of 2024’s Water Year
1. Advancements in Water Conservation Technology
In 2024, there were significant advancements in water conservation technology, with new innovations in irrigation systems, smart water meters, and leak detection tools. These advancements have the potential to help individuals and communities reduce water waste and use water more efficiently.
2. The Rise of Sustainable Water Management Practices
Throughout 2024, there was a growing emphasis on sustainable water management practices, with more organizations and governments prioritizing the protection and preservation of water resources. This shift towards sustainable practices has the potential to have a positive long-term impact on water availability and quality.
3. Increased Awareness of Water Scarcity Issues
2024 saw a significant increase in awareness of water scarcity issues, with more individuals and communities recognizing the importance of conserving water and taking steps to reduce their water footprint. This heightened awareness has the potential to drive positive change in water conservation efforts.
The Not-So-Good: Low Points of 2024’s Water Year
1. Increased Water Pollution Incidents
Despite heightened awareness of water scarcity issues, there were several high-profile incidents of water pollution in 2024, including industrial spills and contamination events. These incidents served as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats to water quality and the need for continued vigilance in protecting our water resources.
2. Conflict Over Water Rights and Access
Throughout 2024, there were numerous instances of conflict over water rights and access,
The Start of the Water Year
Every year, hydrologists and water scientists mark the beginning of a new water year three months before the start of the calendar year. This timing allows for accurate measurement of annual precipitation, including winter snow accumulation and summer rainfall.
Ongoing Drought Situation
In recent years, low water supply has been a recurring issue in Washington. Over the past decade, six out of ten years have seen some level of drought in the state. In 2024, low snowpack and predictions for a dry and warm spring and summer led to Ecology’s declaration of a statewide drought on April 16. Limited exceptions were made for Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma metro areas.
Water Supply Availability
A meeting of the Water Supply Availability Committee revealed that the water year through August experienced warmer-than-normal temperatures with near-normal to slightly below normal precipitation levels. East Washington had a summer precipitation deficit ranging between one and three inches, while west of the Cascade Mountains saw near normal to above normal precipitation levels. The necessary amount of additional precipitation over the next three months varies from 87% to 137% based on location within Washington.
Drought Conditions Improvement
With rain showers and cooler weather across Washington towards thhe endof this water year there have been some improvements in drought conditions overall.The development weak La Niña system is also likely late Fall which should assist further in alleviating these conditions.
Emergency Response Grants
Applications submitted so far include those from multiple irrigation districts and public water systems mainly located around centraland eastern Washington – totaling current applications received as sixteen so far.New inquiries continue comingin due topersistent needfor support received during timesof drought.Ecology is currently working with various government bodies such as he Departmentof Healthto provide ongoing support duringthis period.Some grant recipients include Roza IrrigationDistrict,Benton Conservation DistrictClallam executing County-WSU Extension along with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe,Cascade Irrigation District.
RECAP & OUTLOOK Meeting
You can now register onlineforthe19thannual Oregon-WashingtonWater Year Recapand2025 OutlookMeetingU that will be heldvirtuallyonTuesdayOctober29th (from9 am-12:15 pm PST)aswellasWednesday October30th(from9 am-12:15 pm PST).Attendance at thismeetingis free but registration required.
This event will focus on several topics including climate impacts during lastyear’s warmer than usual winter,the lack ofsnowpackinWashingtonleadingtothedroughtupdatesonthecurrentdroughtrisks acrosstwo statesalongwith Julybeingunusuallyhot.Expertsalso offer forecastsforecasts based upon their expectationsforthe shiftingLa Niña happeninginPacific watersampactsthroughouttheregion.Participationfromdiversefields encompassing utilities,e.g., agriculture,and forestry,i widelyencouragedandafullagendaTBA canbe foundonthemeetingwebsite.Seeking to understanding mitigation strategies employed by others willalsobecome partddiscussion activities.PlanninggroupcomprisingNIDIS& UW partnersinclusive@WADoEwillbehosting& NSF sponsoredevent.