Water conservation isn’t just about saving money or protecting your plants—it’s about protecting the Spokane River and the aquifer that feeds it. Across the region, all of our drinking water comes from the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. That same aquifer provides nearly 60% of the flow to the Spokane River during summer. So when we use more water, especially for lawns and landscaping, it doesn’t just strain the aquifer; it actually lowers the river itself. Spokane’s water use nearly doubles the national average, peaking in July. But here’s what’s striking: when outdoor watering drops off in September, we can see river flows increase again—even if there’s no rainfall or change in releases from the Post Falls Dam. That tells us one thing loud and clear: what we do with our sprinklers and hoses in the summer has a direct impact on the health of our river. That’s why conservation best practices matter: • Water lawns no more than 2–3 times a week • Water early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation • Use deep, infrequent watering to promote strong root growth • Mulch gardens to retain soil moisture and reduce runoff • Use native and drought-tolerant plants that require less water Wherever you live in the region, check with your city or utility to understand your local watering rules. Most communities have guidelines—and many enforce them—to keep peak water use in check and protect this shared resource. Cities like Medical Lake, Airway Heights, Post Falls, and Spokane have adopted outdoor watering rules or guidelines to help reduce strain on our shared water supply during the hottest months of the year. Our region is getting hotter and drier. Taking simple steps to water wisely is one of the most powerful ways you can help keep the Spokane River flowing and healthy for future generations. Remember: Conserving water isn't about sacrifice; it's about only using what we need, when we need it. Follow us all summer long for updates on river flows, climate resilience, and clean water advocacy—and follow Water Wise Spokane for tools, tips, and resources to help you use water more efficiently. #SpokaneRiver #ProtectTheRiver #FortheRiver #WaterConservation #ClimateResilience (fb)

Could we be working any harder to get this couch out of the river? Getting couches, shopping carts, and entire mystery machines off of the river takes muscle, strategy, and sometimes a PIVOT. Big thanks to our cleanup crew for making the Spokane River cleaner, one awkward lift at a time. #spokaneriver #rivercleanup #pivot (fb)