In Washington, many of us get our drinking water from the ground. In total, about 16,000 drinking water systems in Washington get water from the ground. The effects of drought on ground water supplies are usually not felt as quickly as they are for surface water supplies. However, reduced precipitation during a drought means that ground water supplies are not being replenished at a normal rate. This can lead to a reduction in ground water levels and problems such as reduced pumping capacity or worse yet - wells going dry.
Shallow wells are more susceptible than deep wells.
Most water utilities are aware of this problem and will monitoring ground water levels, implementing water conservation measures as necessary. If you are a homeowner with a well, Ecology advises that you practice water conservation . Ecology has information on deepening or re-drilling your well if this becomes necessary. Ground Water and Streams Reduced replenishment of ground water also affects streams. Streams are not fed entirely by runoff from precipitation and melting of the snowpack.