Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response
Spokane's City Council enacted Level 2 watering restrictions as Spokane River levels fell below 1,000 cubic feet per second, prompting immediate action to conserve water. The guidelines restrict outdoor watering to two days a week and ban watering between 10 a. m. and 6 p. m.
Public Works Director Marlene Feist stated that small collective steps can significantly impact the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the region's primary drinking water source. The Water Wise Spokane program provides free consultations to residents and businesses to promote year-round water conservation. Spokane's water usage in summer months is four times the national average, highlighting the urgency of these measures. Since its inception, the Water Wise Spokane program has saved over 344 million gallons of water. Community efforts led to a significant reduction of 45.
5 million gallons saved in 2024. The city encourages compliance with the guidelines to ensure sustainable water use.