Editorial Reflections

Water protector calls for all to help

This summer, parts of the Spokane River ran alarmingly low—some stretches completely dried up. For those of us who cherish this waterway, it was shocking. This isn't just a momentary problem—it's a warning. How we respond determines whether the Spokane River continues to thrive or suffers permanent harm.

The river and Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer are part of a single, interconnected system. When we pump water from the aquifer for homes, lawns or businesses, it can reduce the water feeding the river. In summer, when flows are naturally lower, even small changes in pumping or groundwater levels can have outsized effects, leaving stretches of river vulnerable to drying.

Climate change is making the challenges worse. Warmer winters bring less snow. More rain not snow reduces the river's storage. Snow that melts too early or runs off fast leaves the river dry in late summer. Low flows are more frequent and severe, threatening fish, wildlife and communities that rely on the river.

Human management of the river plays a role. The Post Falls Dam manages Lake Coeur d'Alene levels for recreation, hydropower and fish habitat under a 2009 license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In dry years, limited snowmelt means there isn't enough water to meet all needs. In August, flows at the Post Falls Dam were reduced to 500 cubic feet per second to protect lake levels.

The dam's license requires these reductions under extreme conditions, but what used to be a response for drought is becoming an annual occurrence. In 2015, flows were also dropped in the last week of July, yet the river did not run dry. Today, the combination of lower snowmelt, groundwater pumping and changing climate is making low-flow events more severe, leaving stretches of river completely empty.

This is not a crisis we can ignore. We are at the tipping point. Protecting the Spokane River requires action. We must rethink how we use water, from efficient irrigation and household conservation to land use and development that respects natural water cycles.

Local policymakers and water managers need to prioritize flows that support the river's health. All of us can raise our voices, advocate for stronger water protection and support organizations working to keep the Spokane River flowing.

The Spokane River is more than water. It is a home for fish and wildlife, a place of recreation and a vital part of our cultural and community identity. When it runs dry, we all feel the loss. When it flows, it brings life and connection to our region.

By taking action now—through advocacy, conservation, and stewardship—we can ensure the river continues to run strong for generations to come.

Katelyn Scott - Water Protector for Spokane Riverkeeper