Spokane River Flows Meet Level 2 Drought Response

City ordinance approved in 2022, recommends changes in water use.

Kirstin Davis, Public Works Communications Manager

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 1:47 p.m.

According to USGS monitoring, Spokane River levels have dropped to below 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), triggering public notification of Level 2 suggested watering rules outlined in a water conservation ordinance passed by Spokane City Council in 2022.

“Collective small steps make a big difference, and this is a seasonal reminder that anything we can do to protect Spokane River flows benefits our drinking water source, the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer,” says Public Works Director Marlene Feist. “Thank you to those who incorporated the suggested watering schedule to make a difference.”

Level 2: When the Spokane River is below 1,000 CFS (cubic feet per second)

  • No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Limit watering to no more than 2 days per week.
  • No more than a total of 2 hours of watering per day.
  • No using water to clean hardscapes such as: sidewalks, driveways, decks and patios.

Level 1: Every summer between June 1st – Oct. 1st

  • No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Limit watering to no more than 4 days within a week.
  • Suggested best practice of no more than a total of 2 hours watering per day.
  • Suggested excluding using water to clean hardscapes such as: sidewalks, driveways, decks, and patios.

The City’s Water Wise Spokane program can provide indoor and outdoor water consultations to help residents and businesses reduce their water use year-round at no cost. Since inception, Water Wise Spokane programs have saved over 344 million gallons of water through education, outreach, and training.

Fast Facts:

  • Spokane uses four times the amount of water in the summer months than the national average.
  • Half of the water that recharges the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer comes from the Spokane River.
  • Thanks to strong community participation in Spokane’s conservation programs, 45.5 million gallons of water were saved in 2024.