How does drought affect water law?

Drought can have a significant impact on water law in Washington. When a region or area experiences a drought, water resources often become limited in quantity, affecting the laws that dictate how water is allocated and managed. When water resources are diminished, priority for use is typically given to basic needs, such as drinking water and water for public health, rather than for recreational and other purposes. In Washington, a handful of statutes exists to handle the water scarcity caused by drought. These include the Drought Emergency Act, the Drought Contingency Plan, and the Drought Prevention and Response Plans. The Drought Emergency Act is aimed at addressing water shortages caused by drought in Washington. This law allows for the state to declare a drought emergency in areas where drought conditions exist and give priority to the distribution of available water resources. The Drought Contingency Plan is a long-term plan which outlines drought preparedness and response measures. It enables the state to identify and protect water resources, develop strategies for conserving water and reducing water usage, and plan for emergency water supplies if needed. Finally, the Drought Prevention and Response Plans is a series of strategies that help the state prepare for drought, prevent water waste and manage water resources during drought. In summary, drought can have serious consequences for Washington’s water law. To ensure the water resources of Washington are adequately managed, the Drought Emergency Act, Drought Contingency Plan, and Drought Prevention and Response Plans provide the tools necessary to address limited water supply during times of drought.

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How does drought affect water law?

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