Wildfire can be especially devastating to timber resources when the weather is hot and dry. Forest managers say trees that are not killed outright by the fire become extremely susceptible to insect and disease attacks. The below normal rainfall has resulted in lower stream flow. The present streamflows in these affected streams are at one-third or less of their historical June flows. Extremely low flows are being reported in the west central portions of the state.
Low flows impact fish and wildlife, water withdrawals, and water quality.
DNR is monitoring river and streamflows, and reservoir and groundwater levels on a daily basis. This information is available to the public as a 24-hour service via Internet . A Department survey of water suppliers across the state indicates that most reserves are adequate to meet the increased demand. A few water suppliers are encouraging voluntary water reductions to mitigate problems due to heightened demand. Supply is, thus far, not an immediate problem.