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Avista reducing water discharge at dam

| July 10, 2015 6:36 AM

POST FALLS — Avista Utilities expects that the Post Falls Dam on the Spokane River will begin discharging the minimum of 500 cubic feet per second this weekend or early next week in compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license.

This will help maintain Lake Coeur d’Alene levels as well as keep water in the river throughout the rest of the summer.

Poor snowpack in the Spokane River watershed, combined with continued hot and dry weather, has reduced water levels in the lake as well as flows in the river. 

“In dry years like this, the connection between the aquifer and the river becomes quite clear,” said Guy Gregory, senior hydrogeologist for Washington Department of Ecology’s Eastern Region Water Resources Program.  “Water use by people directly affects river flows. That’s why we hope people will use water wisely and efficiently. Fix a leak, don’t water the sidewalk and pay attention to how much you irrigate. It matters.” 

The license governing Avista’s hydroelectric project on the river was issued in 2009, balancing the needs of all water users. This balance takes into account the lake's water levels and the river flows downstream of Post Falls, among other issues.

The license is based on studies and collaborative negotiations with multiple parties in both states over several years. 

These requirements take into account fisheries, water quality and public recreation. 

Avista’s prior license included a lower required discharge and had no reference to lake level management. Avista worked with agencies, tribes, local governments and citizen groups to plan the future of the hydroelectric project.

River users can monitor flows by visiting avistautilities.com/waterflow when planning water-related activities.