Post Falls formalizes aquifer agreement with Panhandle Health

POST FALLS — Post Falls moved this week to implement a new agreement with Panhandle Health District over upkeep of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. About 10% or less of the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer lies beneath Post Falls.   

Post Falls utilities manager Craig Borrenpohl said because the aquifer provides the sole source of drinking water for Post Falls, city staff worked together with PHD to craft an ordinance that would continue the same protections.     

“The intent of the rule was to protect the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer from contamination which would quickly leach down to the aquifer and spread,” Borrenpohl said.   

The aquifer covers about 250 square miles from Lake Pend Oreille south to Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls and then west to the state line between Idaho and Washington.  

Between 1993 and 2022, the Panhandle Health District administered regulations for the aquifer. Post Falls began work to craft a similar agreement in 2022, when health districts like Panhandle Health District lost their ability to write or enforce rules.  

The Critical Materials Ordinance and MOU with Panhandle Health District covers the four stored reservoirs that provide water to Post Falls residents.  

The MOU was initially presented at the Aug. 20 City Council meeting and was approved unanimously Tuesday.   

The city of Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County have already adopted an ordinance.  

There is an appeal process if there is an issue identified with owners meeting aquifer contaminant standards. If facilities can demonstrate compliance with the agreement through a different mechanism than what is included in the rule, they can appeal.   

During the Tuesday City Council meeting, Borrenpohl said city staff eventually may have a role in the appeals process.