KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Ecology is working on a new safety net for water users along the Columbia River to prevent loss of access during future droughts.

The "Columbia River Drought Insurance Program" is designed to help hundreds of water-right holders who risk losing irrigation access during dry years.

The Columbia River is a crucial water source for many in Eastern Washington. During a declared drought, some users may be forced to turn off their pumps entirely.

State officials are introducing a new program to prevent this from happening again. This initiative is part of a broader effort to secure water resources as the region faces more frequent dry years.

The last official drought for the Columbia River occurred in 2001. Historically, droughts happen ro

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