Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response
Spokane River levels have fallen below 1,000 cubic feet per second, triggering Level 2 watering restrictions as part of a 2022 city ordinance aimed at conserving water. Public Works Director Marlene Feist highlights that small collective actions can significantly impact preserving the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the city's main drinking water source. The new rules limit outdoor watering to two days per week and prohibit it during peak hours of 10 a. m. to 6 p.
m. Additionally, residents are discouraged from using water to clean hardscapes. The Water Wise Spokane program provides free consultations to assist residents in reducing their water use. Spokane's summer water consumption is notably four times higher than the national average, which underscores the necessity for these measures. Since the program's inception, community engagement has saved over 344 million gallons of water through educational initiatives.
Last year alone, residents saved 45. 5 million gallons, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation efforts.