Spokane Riverkeeper delivers petition asking county to boost water conservation

Spokane Riverkeeper delivered a petition asking Spokane County leaders to support stronger water conservation policies at the Board of County Commissioners’ Oct. 7 consent agenda meeting.

Caitlin Scott, speaking for Spokane Riverkeeper, said parts of the Spokane River ran dry this summer and urged the county to take a leadership role in protecting water flows. “The Spokane River is more than just scenery. It's the heartbeat of our community,” she said, adding the river supports fish, wildlife, recreation and business.

Scott said hundreds of residents signed the petition and that copies and the signatory list were provided to commissioners. She called for “stronger water conservation practices and policies that ensure enough water stays in the river for future generations.”

The comment was delivered during the meeting’s open public forum. The transcript does not record a formal response or a board referral to staff on Oct. 7.

Why it matters: Low summer flows on the Spokane River affect habitat, recreation and municipal water supplies; a county-led conservation effort could influence local municipal policies and coordination among water users.

What the record shows: The petition and signatories were handed to the board during public comment; Scott emphasized climate change and local withdrawals as drivers of low flows. No formal board action or policy commitment is recorded in the meeting minutes or transcript for Oct. 7.