Drought Management - Preparing for Drought Conditions

On March 11, 2005, Govenor Christine Gregoire authorized the Department of Ecology to declare a statewide drought emergency through December 31, 2005 (See Press Release). In addition to water and energy shortages, local governments were also faced with increased fire risk due to potential drought conditions. MRSC  assembled sample ordinance provisions and other information to assist local governments in mitigating drought related problems. Some of the examples are emergency ordinance provisions enacted during the drought of 1992 and 2001.   For additional State Information See the Department of Ecology's Drought Emergency Information  and its Water Conservation Page. 

Contents

• Energy Conservation
• Fire Season Weed Abatement
• Emergency Fireworks Regulations
• Emergency Water Use Restrictions
• Open Burning
  • Outdoor Burning - Department of Ecology
• Vegetation Management
• Water Conservation
• Wildfire Prevention: The Wildland/Urban Interface