Trending...
- Georgia's Lanier Islands Resort Tees Up for a New Era of Golf in Spring 2026
- Spokane City Council Members Introduce "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones"
- New Threat Management Workshop Brings Hands-On BTAM Training to Spokane Valley
All federal and state standards were met or exceeded again.
Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773
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 2023, 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. "As we see more contaminants enter the environment, our commitment to protect our drinking water remains our strongest priority."
The City's Water Quality Report for 2023 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.
An Update on PFAS or "forever chemicals"
Using a more sensitive testing methodology, the City of Spokane detected PFAS/PFOA in its water system for the first time in April 2023. Tests were completed at six of the City's seven wells, in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health. Results came back in April 2023, with low detections of the chemicals found at two of the six locations, including the Ray Street Well on Ray at about 23rd Avenue. The City's other locations came back without detections.
More on Washingtoner
The State of Washington set a State Action Level for PFOS/PFOA that went into effect in early 2022. Meanwhile, in early April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed its first-ever rule on these chemicals, setting a new standard at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). The City's testing results are well below the state's action level, but the Ray Street well has had detections just over the new federal standard. For perspective, tests in Airway Heights, near Fairchild Air Force Base, found concentrations of PFAs as high as 1,500 ppt.
The City has implemented updated testing and monitoring procedures for these contaminants. As part of its commitment to protect the community's drinking water, the City joined a lawsuit against manufacturers responsible for PFAS/PFOA contamination. Additionally, it is supporting the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board with investigation of potential sources of contamination. The Water Department continues to monitor regulatory actions and conduct 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.
More on Washingtoner
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 declared a drought emergency 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.
FAST FACTS:
The City of Spokane operates the third largest water system in the state of Washington. Only Seattle and Tacoma have larger systems.
Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773
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 2023, 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. "As we see more contaminants enter the environment, our commitment to protect our drinking water remains our strongest priority."
The City's Water Quality Report for 2023 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.
An Update on PFAS or "forever chemicals"
Using a more sensitive testing methodology, the City of Spokane detected PFAS/PFOA in its water system for the first time in April 2023. Tests were completed at six of the City's seven wells, in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health. Results came back in April 2023, with low detections of the chemicals found at two of the six locations, including the Ray Street Well on Ray at about 23rd Avenue. The City's other locations came back without detections.
More on Washingtoner
- HBMHCW Expande Infraestructura de Cumplimiento para Argentina mientras América Latina Supera $1.5 Billones en Volumen Cripto
- Norisia Launches AI Formulated Luxury Multivitamin to Transform Daily Wellness in the UK
- City of Tacoma Invites Community Input on Proposals to Modernize Housing, Zoning, and Land Use Codes for 2026
- Tacoma: Mayor Anders Ibsen to Deliver First State of the City Address on March 4
- Jacob Emrani's Annual "Supper Bowl" Expected To Donate Thousands Of Meals
The State of Washington set a State Action Level for PFOS/PFOA that went into effect in early 2022. Meanwhile, in early April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed its first-ever rule on these chemicals, setting a new standard at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). The City's testing results are well below the state's action level, but the Ray Street well has had detections just over the new federal standard. For perspective, tests in Airway Heights, near Fairchild Air Force Base, found concentrations of PFAs as high as 1,500 ppt.
The City has implemented updated testing and monitoring procedures for these contaminants. As part of its commitment to protect the community's drinking water, the City joined a lawsuit against manufacturers responsible for PFAS/PFOA contamination. Additionally, it is supporting the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board with investigation of potential sources of contamination. The Water Department continues to monitor regulatory actions and conduct 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.
More on Washingtoner
- NASA / Glenn Research Center Collaboration to Help Meet Rising Demand for Space Energy Beaming Tech / CIGS PV Modules from Ascent Solar: NAS DAQ: ASTI
- When Interpretation Becomes Conversation: Rethinking Engagement in the Museum Age
- Half of Finnish Online Gambling Expenditure Now Flows to Offshore Instant Casinos as License Applications Open March 1, 2026
- RTC Communications Completes Next Level Connect Fiber Expansion Bringing Multi-Gig Broadband to West Boggs Community
- EPP Pricing Platform announces leadership transition to support long-term growth and continuity
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 declared a drought emergency 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.
FAST FACTS:
- 1,000 miles of water mains and distribution lines make up the City's water system
- 8 well stations deliver water to approximately 80,000 homes and businesses within the current water service area
- Up to 150 million gallons of water can be provided to the community every day
The City of Spokane operates the third largest water system in the state of Washington. Only Seattle and Tacoma have larger systems.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Sleep Basil Curates a Clearer Brooklyn Bedding Experience for Performance-Minded Denver Sleepers
- Spokane City Council Members Introduce "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones"
- Spokane: Mayor Brown Calls on Congress to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Community Members
- Nevada Man Launches Nationwide Animal Abuse Registry
- New Threat Management Workshop Brings Hands-On BTAM Training to Spokane Valley
- Star-powered Kappa Takeover Weekend Returns to the DMV June 18- 21, 2026, Hosted By Comedian Joe Clair W/ Dj Quick Silva (the Party Kingpin)
- Tacoma: Homicide Investigation – 1200 Block of South I Street
- Welfare Check Leads To Domestic Violence Arrest; Guns and Drugs Recovered At North Spokane Apartment
- Scoop Social Co. Wins The Knot and WeddingWire Awards as Brand Expands Nationwide
- Denise Murphy Lenci Promoted to Century Fasteners Corp. – General Manager, Northeast Sales
- TiNY Puts Real Pets on the Payroll for New PetArmor Campaign
- P‑Wave Classics Launches Definitive New Edition of Hannah Webster Foster's The Coquette
- Strategic Expansion with 3 New Alliances — Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, CFR YS & flyExclusive Incentive Partnership: Off The Hook YS: (N Y S E: OTH)
- Super League (N A S D A Q: SLE) Advances AI-Driven Playable Media with AdArcade, Solsten, and Meta-Stadiums Partnerships, Plus Roblox Theatre Launch
- purelyIV Expands Concierge Wellness Platform with New IV Therapies, Memberships, and Digital Experience
- CCHR: Europe Rejects Forced Psychiatry—Landmark Vote Declares Coercive Practices Incompatible with Human Rights
- Crossroads4Hope Kicks Off Its 25th Year of Caring with the Launch of Free Breast and Colorectal Cancer Resources for Patients and Families Nationwide
- OpenSSL Corporation Advisory Committees' Elections 2026: Voting Now Open
- Good Vibes Club and Instant IP Forge Strategic Partnership to Secure IP Brand Value in a Booming Digital Economy
- Inkdnylon Simplifies Digitizing and Vector Art Nationwide With Clear Pricing and Guided File Support