Urgent Study on Alternative Water Supply for Palouse to Begin

UPDATE: A groundbreaking study aiming to develop an alternative water supply for the Palouse is set to deliver preliminary results by summer 2024. Jeff Hansen, a senior water resource engineer at HDR Engineering, announced the timeline during the 22nd annual Palouse Basin Water Summit, held in Pullman on Tuesday night.

This urgent initiative comes as the Grand Ronde Aquifer, the primary water source for the region, is depleting at an alarming rate of 0.71 feet per year. The need for a sustainable supplemental water source has never been more pressing, and the study aims to evaluate the Clearwater River as a viable option.

During the summit, Mike Faupel, Executive Director of the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC), stressed the necessity of finding sustainable solutions for the region’s water supply. Hansen confirmed that while the aquifer will remain the primary water source, a surface water supplement is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The proposed project involves pumping water near Lewiston, specifically at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, where streamflow is minimal. The plan includes constructing approximately 40 miles of piping and multiple storage tanks along U.S. Highway 95. The water is expected to be treated in or near Moscow before distribution.

Hansen explained that the study will culminate in a conceptual design that will address potential challenges, explore alternatives, and estimate costs. Additionally, the project might require pumping up to 6.5 million gallons of water per day, raising concerns over water rights and regulatory requirements.

As the implications of this study unfold, residents are urged to stay informed about the development of this critical water supply solution. With environmental journalist Daniel Rothberg delivering the keynote address titled “Invisible Water,” the summit underscored the urgent need for conservation efforts and innovative solutions in managing the region’s precious water resources.

For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned as authorities work towards ensuring a sustainable water future for the Palouse.