KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. — Kittitas County is facing a severe water crisis, resulting in mandatory water restrictions.
The restriction began Monday and covers the entire county, affecting cities such as Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, and Ronald.
The Yakima Basin is currently experiencing its third consecutive year of drought, causing low reservoir storage and streamflows not seen in recent years.
The drought has reduced the Yakima River to about 8% of its normal flow.
The lack of water will impact senior water rights and wildlife, including salmon and trout.
According to the Department of Ecology, the state has seen a drought like this in more than 30 years.
Residents are asked to stop all outdoor irrigation, take shorter showers, and fix any leaks.
The restrictions are expected to remain in place until the end of October.
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