When is the Department of Ecology going to do something about LRIs illegal water use?
Drought already taking a toll WATER: Cities, utilities express concern about shortages, say many resources are running dry March 25, 01 Rob Tucker; The News Tribune It’s early in Washington’s worst drought in a quarter century, but impacts of the dry spell are showing already. Three local water systems – Fort Lewis, Fruitland Mutual Water Co. on South Hill, and the City of Kent – have reported early shortages, said Tim Church, spokesman for the state Department of Health. State health officials have started a survey of the 200 largest public water systems in the state to determine if any are in trouble or anticipate shortages. The systems provide water to a large majority of the state’s users – 4.3 million people – and include Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane, he said. “This is a pretty unique situation,” he said. “We were going to survey anyway, but now we’re really focusing on seeing if people need help.” Gov. Gary Locke authorized the state Department of Ecology to declare a drought emer
