Spokane Aquifer Joint Board

08/25/2026

Our Defender of the Aquifer is here to remind us that protecting our drinking water is something we can ALL help with.

From using water wisely to keeping pollutants out of our groundwater, small actions can make a big difference for the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.

Make sure to look for the SAJB booth at the Spokane County Interstate Fair and grab a couple comic books to learn more about how you can help protect our aquifer.

08/18/2026

One way to be is to use a rain barrel! 💧

If you've been waiting for your chance to get your own, the time has come. Join the @ Spokane Conservation District next Monday, August 24 at 5:30PM for their rain barrel workshop. You'll build your own rain barrel while learning about their benefits and how they can support your landscape, as well as barrel use and maintenance skills.

The workshop is $35 per household, and you'll leave with your own ready-to-use rain barrel!

Get all the details at SpokaneCD.org.

08/11/2026

FACT OR FICTION?

“There is an unlimited supply of water available for firefighters.”

FICTION!

Our region has a tremendous water resource in the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, but the water available for firefighting is still limited by the capacity of our local water systems.

During a major fire, demand for water can increase quickly as multiple hydrants may be in use at the same time.

That’s why using water wisely during extreme fire conditions matters. Every gallon we save from unnecessary use helps reduce demand on the system.

Use only the water you need, follow local fire and watering restrictions, and always keep fire hydrants clear and accessible.

And to all of our firefighters, emergency responders, dispatchers, and support crews working to protect our communities: THANK YOU. ❤️

Stay safe, Spokane. 💙

08/08/2026

08/03/2026

As the Spokane community continues to face the devastating impacts of local wildfires, you can help your neighbors. Visit our website to find ways to donate or volunteer. my.spokanecity.org/wildfireinfo/ways-to-help

We will continue to update this post with more opportunities to help!

The City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund is accepting donations to support individuals and families affected by the ongoing wildfires. Every dollar donated will go directly toward meeting the needs and supporting recovery efforts for those impacted. https://my.spokanecity.org/donate/

The Innovia Foundation is accepting donations to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by wildfires in our region. https://innovia.org/wildfire-response/

Second Harvest Inland Northwest is accepting non-perishables at 1234 E Front Ave. through Friday, Aug. 7, daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has set up an emergency fund to help support individuals and families. Your donation will help their Emergency Response team provide essential items, housing, counseling, support, and short/long term assistance to those impacted by this devastating fire. https://give.cceasternwa.org/give/511873 #!/donation/checkout

Partners INW is collecting donations at 10814 E Broadway Ave. Donations of non-perishable food, clothing, diapers, and hygiene items are needed.

Spokane Humane Society is collecting pet supplies at its main campus, 6607 N Havana St.

American Red Cross Northwest Region is collecting donations for people affected by wildfires in Washington. https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/washington-wildfires-2026.html/

American Red Cross Northwest Region is also looking for volunteers. Fill out a volunteer application here: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is collecting pet supplies at 710 N Napa St. They are also looking for volunteers to foster displaced animals.

Project Beauty Share is collecting donations at 2718 E Sprague Ave. They are looking for hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, soap, razors, lotion, deodorant, hair brushes, combs, lip balm, etc.

Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage is accepting donations in their Fire Emergency Donation Bins at the following locations:
- Thrift Store, 905 E Trent Ave.
- St. Mark’s Church, 316 E 24th Ave.
- Waste to Energy, 2900 S Geiger Blvd.
- North Transfer Station, 22123 N Elk Chattaroy Rd.
- Valley Transfer Station, 3941 N Sullivan Rd

Plato's Closet - Spokane Valley, WA is accepting clothing donations at 13004 E Sprague Ave.

08/03/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the fires, along with the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property.

During major fire events, our water systems are under increased demand. If you can, consider postponing non-essential outdoor water use in the coming days, such as lawn watering, washing vehicles, or filling pools. Reducing unnecessary water use can help lessen demand on the system while firefighters rely on water to battle these fires.

Stay informed and be prepared. If you haven't already, sign up for Spokane County Emergency Management alert system so you can receive important notifications about evacuations, road closures, and other critical updates. Most importantly, follow directions from emergency officials and take action immediately if an evacuation is ordered. https://www.spokanecounty.gov/3007/Alert-Spokane

Stay safe, Spokane. 💙💙

Citizens can sign-up to receive alerts and warnings for diverse emergencies in Spokane County.

07/25/2026

The Spokane River flow is now under 1,000 cubic feet per second, and moving to Level 2 in the City’s drought response. Additional actions include avoiding spraying down sidewalks, patios, etc. and sweeping them instead. Where you can, reduce watering your landscape to two days per week. Learn more here. https://my.spokanecity.org/publicworks/water/water-wise-spokane/watering-rules-and-drought-response-measures/

07/22/2026

Sometimes saving water is as simple as a quick fix.

Our Program Manager spotted this creative solution on Spokane's South Hill today. A damaged sprinkler head was sending water onto the sidewalk instead of the lawn. Rather than letting that water go to waste, someone repurposed part of a plastic water bottle to redirect the spray back where it belongs.

It's a simple reminder that small fixes can make a big difference when it comes to conserving water. We love seeing creative, practical solutions like this!

What's one simple thing you've done at home to save water? Share your ideas in the comments - we'd love to hear them!

07/17/2026

As we enter another fire season in the Inland Northwest, we're reminded how connected our environment really is.

We all know the importance of protecting our homes, forests, and communities from wildfire. But it's also a good time to think about protecting the drinking water beneath our feet.

The Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer has very little natural protection from the surface, so anything spilled or left behind on the ground has the potential to make its way into our groundwater. After a wildfire, ash, debris, fuel, and even some materials used during firefighting efforts can be washed into the soil by rain, increasing the potential for contaminants to reach our groundwater.

As you enjoy the outdoors this summer, please do your part to help prevent wildfires. Follow local fire restrictions, fully extinguish campfires, avoid parking on dry grass, and be mindful with anything that could create a spark.

A little extra care goes a long way - not only in reducing wildfire risk, but in helping protect the clean drinking water our communities depend on every day.

Stay safe, stay fire aware, and help protect our aquifer.

07/08/2026

Introducing Myth vs. Fact!

There are a lot of misconceptions about groundwater, drinking water, and the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Over the next couple of months, we'll separate fact from fiction by tackling common myths and sharing simple, science-based information about the water we all depend on.

Myth: "More water always means a healthier lawn."

Fact: Overwatering can do more harm than good. Most lawns do best with deep, infrequent watering, which encourages stronger roots and helps reduce water waste.

Water smarter, not more, to keep your landscape healthy while protecting our shared water resources. You can learn more online at https://outdoorwateringnerds.org/

Have you heard a myth you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments!

Your one stop shop to empower water conservation. Looking for Outdoor Watering Solutions? Outdoor Watering Nerds can connect you to Professionals and Do It Yourself resources for outdoor leak detection, sprinkler repair and retrofit, and landscape design. The Nerds are excited to bring you how-to vi...