Spokane River

OUR GEM: Why the Spokane Ran Low and What It Means for the Future

Guest Authored by: Katelyn Scott, Spokane Riverkeeper Water Protector This summer, we saw stretches of the Spokane River run alarmingly low, and even completely dry. In some places, the thriving waterway we know and love completely disappeared. While it may feel sudden, there are clear reasons behind this—and a vision of how, together, we can keep water flowing in the future. The Spokane River and the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer are two parts of the same system, constantly exchanging water….

An offload pad sloped to drain any spilled material to the main containment. Photo provided by Panhandle Health.

OUR GEM: The Critical Materials Program Protects our Aquifer

By: Jenny Gray, Panhandle Health Aquifer Protection Program Coordinator North Idaho is home to some breathtakingly beautiful bodies of water. The area’s most important water resource, however, is one we cannot readily see, as it lies beneath our feet – the Spokane Valley – Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRPA). The SVRPA covers roughly 370 square miles in northern Idaho and eastern Washington and is composed of Ice Age flood-deposited gravels, cobbles, and boulders. It is an unconfined aquifer, meaning no continuous…

OUR GEM: Aquifer Protection District Master Plan

OUR GEM: Aquifer Protection District Master Plan

By: Kootenai County Aquifer Protection District Advisory Board Growth happens. It’s been happening a lot in Kootenai County. In 1970, 35,332 people lived here. By 2022, the population increased to 183,578, and by 2045, some projections indicate that over 319,000 people may live here. A look at the Rathdrum Prairie over the last 20 years shows a steady infill with housing developments, apartment complexes, commercial and other enterprises. The customs, culture, and beauty of our region make it a destination…

OUR GEM: Surveys Show Kootenai County Residents Prioritize Open Space Preservation

By Greta Gissel, Executive Director Connect Kootenai COEUR D’ ALENE, ID – According to a study just released by the Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation, Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance, and the University of Idaho titled “Next Steps: The Updated Housing Availability and Affordability Study,” Kootenai County from 2010 to 2020 experienced 17.3% growth, making it the third fastest growing county in Idaho. From 2021 to 2022, Idaho grew 1.82% making it the second fastest growing state in the country….

Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Protection District Protecting Our Priceless Water Supply

This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Read the original article. The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) aquifer covers about 370 square miles in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. It is composed of ice age flood deposited gravels, cobbles, and boulders and is filled with water. The SVRP aquifer is considered unconfined, meaning it has no protective layer of clay or rock above it to keep out pollutants that are…