Oregon Public Broadcasting

Northwesterners might find it hard to believe they face a water shortage, after such a cool, wet spring.

But a new federal study says a region known for its rain is using water at an unsustainable pace. As Anna King reports, the findings could bring policy changes.

The system of aquifers that spans the vast Columbia Plateau is in trouble. That includes underground water in Eastern Washington and Oregon and parts of Idaho.

The U.S. Geological Survey studied nearly 500 wells and found more than 80 percent of them are declining. Deep, ancient aquifers are being drained at an alarming rate and the water isn't being replenished.

Water managers have known of the problem for years. But they say this report shows the grand scale.

Dan Partridge is with Washington's Ecology department. He says agency managers are developing plans to overhaul state water law.

Dan Partridge: "Everyone that is going after additional water will have to make their case for it and be able to mitigate their additional water use."

That might be a hard sell to cities, farmers and industry that depend on water for profits and growth.