Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

Spokane River levels have dropped below 1,000 cubic feet per second, leading to the implementation of Level 2 watering restrictions as outlined in a 2022 city ordinance. Residents must now refrain from watering outdoors between 10 a. m. and 6 p. m.

, limit watering to two days per week, and restrict total watering to two hours daily. Public Works Director Marlene Feist stressed that individual efforts contribute to the preservation of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the city's primary drinking water source. The Water Wise Spokane program offers free consultations to assist residents and businesses in reducing water use year-round. Since its inception, the program has saved over 344 million gallons of water through education and outreach. In 2024 alone, strong community participation resulted in 45.

5 million gallons saved. Spokane's summer water consumption is four times the national average, underscoring the need for these conservation measures. The city encourages residents to adopt best practices for water use to ensure sustainable water availability.