Urgent Update: Study on Alternative Water Supply Set for Next Summer

URGENT UPDATE: A pivotal study aimed at creating an alternative water supply for the Palouse is set to yield preliminary results by next summer. During the 22nd Annual Palouse Basin Water Summit, held on October 17, 2023, senior water resource engineer Jeff Hansen from HDR Engineering announced a timeline for assessing the Clearwater River as a supplemental water source.

This study comes at a critical time as the Grand Ronde Aquifer, the primary water source for the region, is depleting at an alarming rate of 0.71 feet per year. Mike Faupel, Executive Director of the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC), emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable water solution to support local communities.

The Clearwater River has been identified as the most viable alternative water source. The conceptual design includes pumping water near Lewiston, where the Clearwater meets the Snake River, due to favorable streamflow conditions. This ambitious project requires approximately 40 miles of piping and multiple storage tanks along U.S. Highway 95. Treatment facilities are expected to be established in or near Moscow.

Hansen outlined that the project could necessitate pumping up to 6.5 million gallons of water daily, which underscores the magnitude of this initiative. The study will not only focus on the engineering challenges but will also develop alternatives, estimate costs, and consider regulatory requirements for this potentially transformative project.

As the local population continues to grow, the urgency for a reliable water supply intensifies. The results of this study could have a profound impact on the sustainability of water resources in the Palouse region, making it essential for stakeholders and residents to stay informed.

Next Steps: The PBAC will continue to monitor the progress of the study, with updates expected throughout the coming months. Environmental journalist Daniel Rothberg delivered the keynote address at the summit, titled “Invisible Water,” shedding light on the unseen challenges of water conservation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this vital water initiative that could redefine the future of the Palouse’s water supply.