Press Release
Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KITTITAS COUNTY AND CITIES ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT AMID HISTORIC WATER RESTRICTIONS

Kittitas County, WA - 10/2/2025 - Kittitas County, WA – Kittitas County and the communities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, South Cle Elum, and Ronald are jointly alerting all residents, businesses, and water users of a historic emergency restriction on surface water use beginning October 6.

The restrictions, shared Wednesday Afternoon October 1, 2025 by the Department of Ecology, result from three consecutive years of drought, leading to critically low river flows and reservoir levels in the Yakima River Basin. Water supplies are now insufficient to meet the needs of both junior and senior water rights holders, triggering curtailments with unprecedented reach.

Impact on Local Water Systems
Impacts to water systems across Kittitas County depend on the source of water. Communities relying on groundwater (such as the Cities of Ellensburg and Kittitas) are not directly impacted, while communities utilizing surface water are more immediately affected. Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, and Suncadia use surface water from the Yakima River but have emergency wells available for limited backup use.  Roslyn and Kittitas County Water District No. 2 (Ronald) rely on surface diversions from Domerie Creek.


Community Response & Leadership
Municipal water utilities are activating contingency plans, including use of supplemental wells where available, mandatory and voluntary water conservation measures, and coordinated public outreach to help residents reduce demand. Additionally, affected city leaders are also working to understand what options may exist to address community impacts.


Statements from City Leaders

• City of Cle Elum – Mayor Matthew Lundh:

“Cle Elum depends on surface water as our primary source and restrictions place an immediate strain on our system. While our emergency wells provide some relief, they are not a long-term solution. We need our residents to be vigilant about conservation.”

• Town of South Cle Elum – Mayor Jim DeVere:

“South Cle Elum shares in these challenges, and our community must come together to stretch limited supplies. Every gallon saved helps ensure essential needs can be met. We are actively working to improve our system infrastructure, but we must have water in the pipes first.”

• City of Roslyn – Mayor Jeff Adams:

“Roslyn and Ronald are reliant on surface water to meet domestic needs. While we hold senior water rights, this is the first time curtailment has extended to pre-1905 rights basin-wide. We urge residents to understand the gravity of the situation and reduce usage immediately.”


What Residents Can Do Now
Regardless of your water source, we ask everyone to take immediate action to reduce water use.

•  Stop all outdoor irrigation and non-essential water use
• Take shorter showers, fix leaks, and reduce indoor water consumption
• Follow guidance from your city or water utility

“Kittitas County and all of our cities are committed to working together to protect our communities during this critical shortage,” said Commissioner Laura Osiadacz, Chair of the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners.  “We recognize the seriousness of this curtailment and are urging every resident to do their part in conserving water.”

Stay Informed
Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
For more information or assistance, contact:

• Kittitas County Public Works – Arden Thomas, Water Resource Manager 509-962-7523, arden.thomas@co.kittitas.wa.us
• City of Ellensburg – Rebecca Springer, Water Resources Manager, 509-925-8619, springerr@ellensburgwa.gov
• City of Cle Elum – Rob Omans, City Administrator, 509-674-2262, romans@cleelum.gov
• City of Roslyn – Michelle Geiger, Planner, 509-304-8337, planner@ci.roslyn.wa.us
• City of Kittitas – Christa Stream, City Administrator, 509-968-0220
• Ecology Water Resources Customer Service line – 509-575-2597, WRCRO@ecy.wa.gov (Ecology will be able to provide more efficient service if you provide your water right number available, if known, when you call).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/oct-1-dwindling-water-supplies-force-new-restrictions-in-yakima-basin-beginning-oct-6
 

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Arden Thomas, WRP Manager
509-962-7523