Avista reducing water discharge at Post Falls Dam

Due to the region’s continued hot and dry weather reducing water levels in Lake Coeur d'Alene, water flow will be reduced at the Post Falls dam.

According to a press release, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Washington Department of Ecology and Avista will be following licensing requirements to implement the minimum discharge at Post Falls dam.

Avista expects that the Post Falls Hydroelectric Development will begin discharging the minimum of 500 cubic feet per second this weekend or early next week. 

This will help balance and maintain Lake Coeur d'Alene levels as well as keep water in the Spokane River throughout the rest of the summer, the release said.

“In dry years like this, the connection between the aquifer and the river becomes quite clear,” said Patrick Cabbage, senior hydrogeologist for 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.”