Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

Spokane River's flow has dropped below 1,000 cubic feet per second, prompting the city to activate Level 2 watering restrictions as outlined in a 2022 conservation ordinance. Public Works Director Marlene Feist noted that collective actions can significantly impact the protection of local water sources. The Level 2 guidelines restrict outdoor watering to two days per week and prohibit watering during the peak hours of 10 a. m. to 6 p.

m. Furthermore, residents must refrain from using water to clean hardscapes such as sidewalks and patios. Spokane's Water Wise Spokane program provides free consultations to help residents reduce water use, contributing to a total savings of over 344 million gallons since its launch. Spokane uses four times more water in the summer than the national average, highlighting the need for conservation. The community's engagement has resulted in significant water savings, with 45.

5 million gallons saved in 2024 alone. Ensuring the sustainability of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is crucial for the region's drinking water supply.