Water tensions rise on both sides of the Cascades

Water tensions rise on both sides of the Cascades

The Yakima River flows south of Roza. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Land Management)This article was first published by TVW. An unprecedented total ban on surface water usage in the Yakima Basin shut off irrigation early and disrupted city water services this month. For the first time, access was curtailed to even the most senior water right holder in the basin, the Yakama Nation. State regulators say the decision — which is in place through…