Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response
Spokane River levels have fallen below 1,000 cubic feet per second, prompting the city to activate Level 2 watering restrictions as per a conservation ordinance approved in 2022. Public Works Director Marlene Feist highlighted that collective small actions can significantly benefit the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for the community. The restrictions mandate limiting outdoor watering to two days a week and prohibit watering during peak hours from 10 a. m. to 6 p.
m. Additionally, residents are discouraged from using water to clean hardscapes like sidewalks and driveways. Level 1 restrictions, relevant from June 1 to October 1, recommend watering no more than four days a week. The Water Wise Spokane program offers free consultations to help residents reduce water usage, contributing to over 344 million gallons saved since its inception. Community involvement has proven effective, with 45.
5 million gallons conserved in 2024 alone. These measures underscore the city's commitment to sustainable water management and conservation.