Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response
Spokane River levels have fallen below 1,000 cubic feet per second, leading to the implementation of Level 2 watering restrictions. Residents must adhere to a watering schedule that prohibits outdoor watering between 10 a. m. and 6 p. m.
and limits watering to two days per week. Public Works Director Marlene Feist noted that collective actions can significantly impact water conservation efforts. The city’s Water Wise Spokane program provides free consultations to assist with reducing indoor and outdoor water use. Spokane's summer water consumption is four times the national average, highlighting the urgency of these measures. Since the program's inception, over 344 million gallons of water have been saved through education and outreach.
Strong community involvement has already saved 45. 5 million gallons of water in 2024. The ordinance aims to protect both the Spokane River and the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.