The Spokane River is hydrologically connected to the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer. That means as the river flows across the surface, it is exchanging water back and forth with the underground aquifer.

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The average American household uses 138 gallons per day, according to a 2016 study. Between the years of 2015 and 2019, single family homes in the City of Spokane were using an average of 117 gallons per day in the winter months, but in the summer water consumption climbs to an average of 587 gallons per day. Outdoor watering of lawns and home gardens is the main cause of of high water usage in the warmer months. Average daily domestic water use per person in Spokane County is 235 gallons per day, which is almost three times the national average of 82 gallons per person per day. In Kootenai County, usage is even higher at 251 gallons per day.

Increased human water consumption leaves less cold aquifer water for the river needed to maintain summer water temperatures and flow, shrinking available habitat for native coldwater fish, like Redband trout.  It is estimated that summer pumping from our aquifer reduces flow in the river by 120 to 175 cubic feet per second. The problem is compounded during years of drought, like 2021, when flow in the river is already exceptionally low. Human population growth in Spokane and Kootenai counties will place additional demands on regional water supplies, further impacting the river.

Learn more about water consumption and the Spokane River in this video with former Waterkeeper Jerry White and KREM's Jeremy Lagoo.

In addition to supporting water conservation and drought response planning in our communities, there are several ways we can save water for the Spokane River.

• Replacing lawns with native, drought tolerant vegetation

• Smart irrigation practices and systems. Learn exactly how much you need to water your lawn by visiting outdoorwateringnerds.org

• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water efficient or low-flow models

• Restoring riparian habitat with native trees, which provide shade for the river and reduce evaporation

• Protecting and restoring wetlands that provide aquifer recharge and improve flow in the river

• Using reclaimed water for irrigation

• Developing a tiered water rate structure that incentivizes and encourages wise water use

• Supporting industrial practices that use water more efficiently

• Placing conserved or unused water rights into a trust that benefits instream flows for the river

Wise use of aquifer water is a priority to sustain river flow, protecting important aquatic ecosystems, cold-water habitat for native redband trout and future salmon reintroduction, recreation opportunities, and the natural beauty of our iconic Spokane River.

On June 6th, 2022, the City Council of Spokane passed a landmark ordinance - C36209 - that codified a water conservation and drought response plan for the City of Spokane. It took a historic override of Mayor Woodward’s veto of the water conservation ordinance. When the River recedes under 1000 CFS, actions are initiated to limit ground-water pumping and reduce municipal demand of the cold water that our River needs to sustain life during our hot summers.

These measures will be an integral part of this historic movement toward our communities recognizing our groundwater is not endless, but is critical to the health of our River now and for generations to come.