Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:21 p.m.
The City of Spokane today is releasing its required annual report on the quality of drinking water provided by the City’s Water Department. For 2022, as in previous years, the City met or exceeded all federal and state drinking water standards.
“The City continues to deliver safe, clean drinking water to our customers at an affordable price,” says Marlene Feist, the City’s Director of Public Works. “Being proactive about conservation efforts, reducing leaks and protecting water quality is a daily commitment for our team.”
The City’s Water Quality Report for 2022 is available on the City’s water quality webpage. Community members may request a mailed copy by calling the Water Department at (509) 625-7800 and providing an address.
Increased testing will include “forever chemicals”
In 2023, the City of Spokane started testing for forever chemicals called PFAS under new rules adopted by Washington state in 2022. There have been low-level detections of these chemicals at two well locations that are far below the state’s action levels. Test results from all other well sites indicated no detection. Previous testing in 2015 found no detections of PFOS/PFOA, using an earlier testing method.
The City has implemented updated testing and monitoring procedures for these contaminants. Additionally, the City is supporting the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board with investigation of potential sources of contamination. The Water Department will continue to monitor regulatory actions and continue testing to provide timely and accurate information to our customers. More information can be found on the state Department of Health’s PFAS in Drinking Water Dashboard.
Conservation Efforts
In addition to basic information about water quality, the annual Water Quality Report also provides information on efforts to reduce water use, particularly during the peak irrigation season in the summer. City Council approved an ordinance requiring residents and businesses to adopt an every other day, “odd/even” watering schedule to help protect water resources, maintain affordable water rates, support landscaping health, and reduce the need for costly water system expansions over time.
The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a drought advisory for much of the state, including the Spokane area, making wise water choices even more important. To assist customers with water-saving efforts, the City has a variety of rebates available for water-efficient equipment upgrades and a turf replacement program called SpokaneScape.
Beneath our City streets is a network of water pipes that delivers water from the City’s wells to some 80,000 homes and businesses within the current water service area. The City maintains more than 1,000 miles of water mains and smaller water lines.
The City of Spokane operates the third largest water system in the state of Washington. Only Seattle and Tacoma have larger systems.
