The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology issued a drought emergency for nearly all of the state July 14.

Seattle, Tacoma and Everett are excluded from the drought declaration, as they have stored water, according to the DOE.

A drought emergency declaration means water supply is projected to be below 75% of average, and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users and uses. With a formal drought declaration in place, DOE is authorized to take certain measures for the purpose of providing emergency drought relief, including expediting processing for emergency drought permits, proc...