Our Water

Water Quality

Each year, more than 2,000 tests are performed on Spokane's water for 80 contaminants. Testing and monitoring Spokane's drinking water is a 24-hour job, 7 days a week.

The City of Spokane's water meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations governing the safety of your drinking water. We take your health – and ours – seriously.

Water Quality Reports

More technical water quality information (PDF 1.6 MB)

Aquifer

Our water comes from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. The aquifer serves as the sole source of water for most of the people in Spokane County in Washington and in Kootenai County in Idaho. Discovered in 1895, this Aquifer has become one of the most important resources in the region, supplying drinking water to more than 500,000 people. The Aquifer has been studied in considerable detail since 1977, and the results of these investigations have produced programs and regulations designed to ensure this aquifer will remain a valued and protected resource for future generations.

Aquifer Facts

  • The aquifer has one of the fastest flow rates in the United States, flowing as much as 50 feet per day in some areas. In comparison, a typical aquifer has a flow rate between one-quarter inch and five feet per day.
  • The Aquifer sediments range from about 150 feet to 600 feet deep.
  • The Aquifer covers 322 square miles in two states.
  • The average daily water withdrawal is about 146 million gallons.
  • The volume of the entire aquifer is about 10 trillion gallons, making it one of the most productive aquifers in the United States.

Learn more about the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer by downloading the Aquifer Atlas and Educational Poster (PDF 2.6 MB).

Water Quality Special Needs?

Get information regarding water quality special needs

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly and infants particularly at risk for infection. These people should seek advice from their health care providers.

The US EPA – Center for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants can be obtained at the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1.800.426.4791.

For more information regarding the City of Spokane's drinking water and related issues, please contact us by email at waterinfo@spokanecity.org.


Water Quality Resources

  • City of Spokane Water Department Water Quality - 509.742.8166
  • City of Spokane Environmental Programs - 509.625.6968
  • Spokane County Water Resources Program - 509.477.3604
  • Spokane Regional Health District - 509.324.1500
  • Washington Department of Health - Eastern Regional Office, Drinking Water Program - 509.329.1500
  • Washington Department of Ecology - Eastern Regional Office - 509.329.3400
  • US EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline - 800.426.4791

Water Quality Special Needs?

Get information regarding water special needs