City of Spokane, WA

07/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2025 15:45

Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

City ordinance approved in 2022, recommends changes in water use.

Kirstin Davis, Public Works Communications Manager

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 1:47 p.m.

According to USGS monitoring, Spokane River levels have dropped to below 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), triggering public notification of Level 2 suggested watering rules outlined in a water conservation ordinance passed by Spokane City Council in 2022.

"Collective small steps make a big difference, and this is a seasonal reminder that anything we can do to protect Spokane River flows benefits our drinking water source, the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer," says Public Works Director Marlene Feist. "Thank you to those who incorporated the suggested watering schedule to make a difference."

Level 2: When the Spokane River is below 1,000 CFS (cubic feet per second)

  • No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Limit watering to no more than 2 days per week.
  • No more than a total of 2 hours of watering per day.
  • No using water to clean hardscapes such as: sidewalks, driveways, decks and patios.

Level 1: Every summer between June 1st - Oct. 1st

  • No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Limit watering to no more than 4 days within a week.
  • Suggested best practice of no more than a total of 2 hours watering per day.
  • Suggested excluding using water to clean hardscapes such as: sidewalks, driveways, decks, and patios.

The City's Water Wise Spokane program can provide indoor and outdoor water consultations to help residents and businesses reduce their water use year-round at no cost. Since inception, Water Wise Spokane programs have saved over 344 million gallons of water through education, outreach, and training.

Fast Facts:

  • Spokane uses four times the amount of water in the summer months than the national average.
  • Half of the water that recharges the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer comes from the Spokane River.
  • Thanks to strong community participation in Spokane's conservation programs, 45.5 million gallons of water were saved in 2024.
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City of Spokane, WA published this content on July 17, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 17, 2025 at 21:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io