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CHAPTER 9. DROUGHT <br />9-9 <br />erosion. Some of the effects are short-term and conditions quickly return to normal following the end of the <br />drought. Other environmental effects linger for some time or may even become permanent. Wildlife habitat, <br />for example, may be degraded through the loss of wetlands, lakes and vegetation. However, many species <br />will eventually recover from this temporary aberration. The degradation of landscape quality, including <br />increased soil erosion, may lead to a more permanent loss of biological productivity. Although <br />environmental losses are difficult to quantify, growing public awareness and concern for environmental <br />quality has forced public officials to focus greater attention and resources on these effects. <br />9.6.5 Economic Impact <br />Economic impact will be largely associated with industries that use water or depend on water for their <br />business. For example, landscaping businesses were affected in the droughts of the past as the demand for <br />service significantly declined because landscaping was not watered. Agricultural industries will be <br />impacted if water usage is restricted for irrigation. <br />9.7. FUTURE TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT <br />Each municipal planning partner in this effort has an established comprehensive plan that includes policies <br />directing land use and dealing with issues of water supply and the pr otection of water resources. These <br />plans provide the capability at the local municipal level to protect future development from the impacts of <br />drought. All planning partners reviewed their general plans under the capability assessments performed for <br />this effort. Deficiencies identified by these reviews can be identified as mitigation actions to increase the <br />capability to deal with future trends in development. <br />9.8. SCENARIO <br />An extreme multiyear drought more intense than the 1977 drought could impact the region w ith little <br />warning. Combinations of low precipitation and unusually high temperatures could occur over several <br />consecutive years. Intensified by such conditions, extreme wildfires could break out throughout Kittitas <br />County, increasing the need for water. Surrounding communities, also in drought conditions, could increase <br />their demand for water supplies relied upon by the planning partnership, causing social and political <br />conflicts. If such conditions persisted for several years, the economy of Kittitas Coun ty could experience <br />setbacks, especially in water dependent industries. <br />9.9. ISSUES <br />The planning team has identified the following drought-related issues: <br />• Identification and development of alternative water supplies <br />• Utilization of groundwater recharge techniques to stabilize the groundwater supply <br />• The probability of increased drought frequencies and durations due to climate change <br />• The promotion of active water conservation even during non-drought periods <br />