Forecast shows Eastern Wash. water demand to grow Wednesday,
September 7, 2011 RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- A preliminary report
shows that agricultural and municipal water demands in the
Columbia River basin are likely to increase more than water
supplies over the next 20 years. The increased demand can be
attributed to influences of climate change, population growth
and economic trends. The state Department of Ecology is
conducting three workshops this week to discuss the report that
was required by the Legislature under a 2006 bill that
appropriated $200 million to improve water storage and
conservation. A final report is due to lawmakers in November.
Farmers and other water users in Thursday's meeting in Richland
said they believe the report should better reflect the positive
economic impacts, such as job creation, from increasing water
use.