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Exhibit 21.p Press Release <br />In Response to Fourth Consecutive Drought: Kittitas <br />County Residents Urged to Conserve Water <br />Kiftit��s County, WA - 08/16/2023 - <br />On April 8, 2026, the Department of Ecology declared a drought <br />emergency. This is the fourth consecutive drought -year in the Yakima Basin. The declaration reflects <br />unusually low snowpack and stream <br />ecosystems throughout the region. <br />flows that are creating challenges for agriculture, fish, and river <br />As a result of drought conditions, pro -ratable irrigation water users are r <br />normal water supply, some jun'ior water rights have been restricted, and <br />low. This marks the fourth consecutive drought year in the Yakima Basin. <br />eceiv*ing only S2% of their <br />streamflows remain critically <br />Water is one of our community's most valuable resources. Kittitas County encourages all residents to <br />use water efficiently and take practical steps to reduce demand on our rivers and groundwater <br />supplies. <br />Kittitas County has secured senior water rights <br />rural well groundwater uses. As a result, many <br />have improved water security during_ drought � <br />domestic uses and irrigation of up to 500 squa <br />to provide legal protection for certain small-scale <br />residents who rely on these wells for household water <br />:onditions. This protection is limited to indoor <br />re feet of exterior yard. <br />All County residents are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible. Important steps <br />take to conserve waterinclude: <br />we can <br />• Limiting areas that require regular irrigation; <br />• Using efficient irrigation methods; <br />• Watering during the early morning or evening hours; <br />• Adding mulch to planting beds; <br />• Planting drought -tolerant vegetation; <br />• Identifying and repairing leaks in plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems; <br />• Raising lawn mower blades to at least 3 inches to promote deeper roots and improve <br />soil moisture retention; and <br />• Consider allowing your go dormant ("go blond") during the summer by watering deeply <br />and infrequently rather than applying frequent, shallow watering <br />Kittitas County has prepared a water conservation brochure available for free at 411 North Ruby <br />Street in Ellensburg or by download at: insert hyperlink.. <br />K0 ittitas County is working with Yakima Basin Integrated Plan partners to improve long-term water <br />reliability through conservation, water storage development, habit -at and watershed restoration, and <br />