Cover photo courtesy of Doris Morrison Learning Center
The Spokane River runs through the heart of our region, fed in large part by the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a 365-square-mile, unconfined aquifer with an estimated 10 trillion gallons of water flowing through it. While the Spokane area is fortunate to have abundant water resources, challenges remain. Lower-than-average summer flows in the Spokane River complicate efforts to rehabilitate the culturally significant redband trout and salmon. Because the aquifer lacks a protective barrier such as hard rock or clay, surface water and pollutants can infiltrate it, making water quality protection a shared responsibility. Everyday actions, from picking up litter and pet waste to preventing vehicle leaks, properly disposing of hazardous waste and choosing drought-tolerant landscaping, all play a role in safeguarding local waterways.
To raise awareness of the ways we can protect our water resources, Spokane County and other partners will host the second annual World Water Day Celebration on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Doris Morrison Learning Center at Saltese Flats Wetlands (1330 S. Henry Road). The free, open-house-style event features a live owl show, Aqua Duck appearance, water-themed student art gallery, guided wetland bird walks, children’s story time and presentations by Spokane County water scientists. Environmental organizations will offer interactive, family-friendly booths. Online registration is encouraged at WorldWaterDay2026.eventbrite.com.
