The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer

Designated as a “sole source” aquifer in 1978 by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  ‘Sole Source” means that the aquifer is our only affordable source of drinking water in a bi-state region serving drinking water to more than 500,000 people every day.

The Spokane Aquifer Joint Board is dedicated to protecting this sole source, through our Wellhead Protection Program and through citizen education and awareness. Visit our About page to learn more about us.

Part of our wellhead protection efforts involve our participation in the Aquifer Protection Council (APC) and the Idaho Washington Aquifer Collaborative (IWAC). The APC is comprised of private and government agencies committed to protecting groundwater quality in the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. The IWAC is a collaborative of Idaho and Washington drinking water and reclaimed water purveyors. Our organizations are working together to protect water througout the aquifer and river system, now and for generations to come.