Governor Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Ecology launched the Washington’s Water Future initiative on May 6, 2026. The initiative follows 4 consecutive years of statewide drought declarations. Ecology will host a series of regional roundtables to gather feedback for water supply policy recommendations and proposals for the 2027 legislative session.
Roundtable participants will include:
- local and Tribal governments
- industries
- utilities
- environmental groups
- community groups
According to the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, projections indicate increased winter flooding risks and decreased summer water availability for fish and human use. Historical water management relied on mountain snowpack melting in spring and summer to fill reservoirs and streams. Current conditions include low river levels and increased water temperatures.
Our community is facing a water management crisis, with too much water in the winter, and not enough in our streams at times in the summer. We’ve consistently pointed out that this is not a zero-sum game, and that collaboration is the only way to bring lasting solutions that address the entire community’s needs.
We’re encouraged to see state leaders including the Washington State Department of Ecology acknowledging this reality and shifting toward a collaborative perspective, as the daunting water challenges we all face become more clear with each passing year.
– Fred Likkel, Executive Director of Whatcom Family Farmers (May 7, 2026)
Fred Likkel, Executive Director of Whatcom Family Farmers (WFF), stated on May 7, 2026, that the Nooksack River Basin faces water management issues involving winter flooding and summer stream flows. Likkel noted the basin does not have traditional reservoirs used in other watersheds and relies on the underground aquifer for water storage. WFF is a founding member of the Water for Whatcom community coalition.
Proposed solutions to address water infrastructure needs include:
- capturing and storing water underground
- conservation methods
- reclaiming wastewater for outdoor irrigation
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For several years I have recommended that individuals and groups begin to use water cisterns on their property to collect the
winter water for summer watering of plants, gardens, and to include for animal husbandry. Individuals should be encouraged
to take more responsibility. A moveable water tank does not have to be an impediment and can be very useful.