Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

Spokane River's flow has dropped below 1,000 cubic feet per second, activating Level 2 watering restrictions under a 2022 city ordinance. Residents must limit outdoor watering to two days a week and avoid watering during the peak hours of 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.

Public Works Director Marlene Feist emphasizes that these collective efforts protect both the Spokane River and the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which serves as the area's drinking water source. The city's Water Wise Spokane program provides free consultations to help residents and businesses reduce water use year-round. Since its launch, this program has saved over 344 million gallons of water, demonstrating significant community participation in conservation. Spokane uses four times the national average of water during summer months, underscoring the urgency of these restrictions. Community participation has resulted in the saving of 45.

5 million gallons of water in 2024 alone. These measures not only address immediate water scarcity but also promote long-term sustainable water practices in the region.