Drought declaration lifted in Eastern Washington

OLYMPIA— The state Department of Ecology has canceled the drought declaration for Eastern Washington due to the second-wettest May-through-June here since 1895.

No part of the state is experiencing drought conditions, and water supply conditions have been better, confirms an ecology news release from July 19.

A drought can be declared when water supplies in an area are below 75% of normal with expectations of undue hardship.

The Colville River at 86% of normal, the lowest streamflow forecast, is above that threshold the agency said. Some forecasts are much higher.

Cool weather during spring an...