Voters to decide West Plains Aquifer Protection Area on Aug. 4

A presenter outlined Ballot Measure 1, the West Plains Aquifer Protection Area (APA), saying, "On 08/04/2026, voters will decide whether to create the West Plains Aquifer Protection Area, also known as the West Plains APA, which is ballot measure 1." The measure would establish a local funding mechanism to monitor and protect the interconnected basalt, sediment (paleo-channel) and bedrock aquifers that supply drinking water to communities including Airway Heights, Cheney, Medical Lake and parts of Spokane County.

Supporters say the APA would fund monitoring at roughly 30 sites and data-management work to detect falling groundwater levels, changes in surface-water flows and early contamination. The presenter described eligible uses under the proposed program as planning, monitoring, education and water infrastructure improvements, and noted the measure would authorize a 20-year program to steward drinking-water resources as the West Plains grows.

The proposal would also support public education through the Water Resource Center and the Doris Morrison Learning Center, and enable regional planning and upgrades to drinking-water, stormwater and sanitary systems. The presenter framed the measure as a preventive investment: "Approving the measure represents a 20 year investment in the community's drinking water future." The ballot measure requires voter approval to take effect and, if approved, funds would be allocated to participating cities and Spokane County for the stated activities.