SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane’s annual water restrictions went into effect today and will last through October 1, aiming to conserve water during the year’s hottest months.
The city approved the Drought Response Measures Ordinance in 2022. It taken effect every summer since.
“What your watering schedule is in June may not be what it needs to be in July and August, because those are really the hotter months. So pay attention,” said Kirstin Davis, communications manager for the City of Spokane.
According to Avista’s website, the flow in the Spokane River Monday is above 5,000 cubic feet per second. That categorizes the river under a Level 1 restriction. If the river reaches below 1,000 cubic feet per second, a Level 2 drought response takes place. While good now, the city expects the Spokane River to reach the drought level every year.
“Our river typically, always hits a drought level at some point during the summer. That’s expected to happen. It just depends on when,” Davis said.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, for the last three years, August has been the month where the river has dipped below 1,000 cubic feet per second.
Right now, Spokane is under Level 1 restrictions, meaning they’re asking people not to water from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the hottest part of the day. They also ask that when you do water your lawn, limit it to four times a week.
If the Spokane River reaches the Level 2 drought risk, watering would be limited to two days a week.
The city says they do not currently enforce these “water rules” and expect residents to follow them and do their part.
Through their website, people can request a water efficiency specialist to come to their home for free. They will tell you how much water you should be using depending on your landscape size.
Vegetable gardens, trees and freshly planted landscapes are exempt from the ordinance. The restrictions will end on October 1.
In 2024, Spokane’s Residential Efficiency Check-Ups saved 5.3 million gallons of water. The drought ordinance was in effect then.
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