SPOKANE, Wash. – Residents in the region are being urged to pay special attention to water conservation efforts as the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer faces increased demand.
Although a Level 1 water restriction was placed on June 1, Level 2 practices are being encouraged.
Water protector Katelyn Scott highlighted the importance of proactive conservation measures.
“Even though we’re not at level two restrictions yet, I think it’s important that we all take a serious look at our water conservation now and start implementing those level two restrictions now to protect our river.
We don’t need to wait until the river is already too low to act,” she said.
The differences between Level 1 and Level 2 water conservation restrictions are significant. Level 1 states no outdoor watering from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with watering allowed four times a week. Level 2, however, limits landscape watering to two days per week and prohibits water usage for cleaning hardscapes.
Scott explained the connection between local water use and the aquifer.
“Our water is drawn straight from the aquifer. So when you’re watering your lawn, you’re pulling water straight out of the river, in essence, because that water would be going to the river if it weren’t going to your lawn,” she said.
Watering greenery when the sun is down is recommended to maximize water use. Scott emphasized that watering during hot weather leads to evaporation.
“Just like you and I sweat when we’re outside and it’s hot outside. When you put water on your grass, it will also kind of sweat and it will evaporate into the air and it doesn’t go into the ground. That’s just wasted water, it goes away. A lot of people think when they’re watering their grass, it can, you know, infiltrate and go down into the ground and get back into the aquifer; that doesn’t happen if it’s hot outside,” she stated.
In hindsight, Scott advised residents not to neglect their plants but to be mindful of water usage.
“You can water your grass and keep your grass. It’s okay. We just ask that you only use what you need when you need it. This really isn’t about sacrificing anything, it’s not about sacrificing your lawn,” she added.
Residents are encouraged to consider these water conservation tips to help protect the aquifer and the river.
