Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, No Phone Number Available
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 12:50 p.m.
City of Spokane Wastewater Department is working to protect the Spokane River and the stormwater infrastructure from sediment and debris from the Old Trails Fire. Crews installed filters for catch basins as quickly as possible and are placing long, compost-filled tubes called “wattles” in the fire-impacted area. The wattles are placed across driveway openings to slow down, divert, and filter runoff before it enters the City’s stormwater system.
As the fall season approaches, rain, leaves, and pine needles are likely to enter the runoff stream carrying debris and pollutants to swales, catch basins, and storm drains. The Spokane Complex Fire adds a significant amount of toxins to the runoff from structures and their contents destroyed to ash and debris.
It is a common misconception that stormwater goes the same place sewer water goes, which is not true, much of the time. Runoff water can be absorbed as groundwater above our aquifer; and can make its way to swales to be filtered with plants and organic materials. Some swales include catch basin drains for large amounts of rain, that eventually carries stormwater to the Spokane River. City stormwater is consistently tested and documented.
The majority of the fire-impacted area within City of Spokane boundaries manages runoff from roofs, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and streets with a separated stormwater system.
In addition to the environmental impacts, ash and debris are really hard on the City’s 1,200 miles of sewer and stormwater pipes; especially when it’s wet. The wet ash hardens in the pipes reducing efficiency, increasing significant maintenance work; and causing damage.
Property owners whose homes or structures are connected to the City’s sewer system will have the pipe capped until the permitting and rebuilding stage of recovery.
Here are ways you can help us protect our community and our infrastructure:
In Spokane
We All Belong
