SPOKANE, Wash. – August 22, 2024:  Due to the region’s continued hot and dry weather reducing water levels in Coeur d’Alene Lake, 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. 

In compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license, Avista expects that the Post Falls Hydroelectric Development (HED) will begin discharging the minimum of 500 cubic feet per second this weekend or early next week. This will help balance and maintain Coeur d’Alene Lake levels as well as keep water in the Spokane River throughout the rest of the summer.

“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.”

The FERC license governing Avista’s Spokane River Project operations was issued in 2009 and carefully balances Coeur d’Alene Lake levels and downstream river flows. These requirements take into account fisheries and water quality, as well as public recreation. Avista worked with agencies, tribes, local governments, and citizens groups to reach an agreement on the current operations of Post Falls HED as they impact Coeur d’Alene Lake and the Spokane River. 

Anyone seeking opportunities for river recreation can monitor flows by visiting www.myavista.com/about-us/celebrate-our-rivers/water-flow-information when planning water-related activities.

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 418,000 customers and natural gas to 382,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million.  Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com.

Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

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About Washington Department of Ecology

The Department of Ecology protects Washington’s environment and quality of life. The mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.

About Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

DEQ is a state department created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act to ensure clean air, water, and land in the state and protect Idaho citizens from the adverse health impacts of pollution.  DEQ’s mission is to protect human health and the quality of Idaho’s air, land, and water.

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Contact:                                                                                                          

Avista

Jared Webley (509) 495-7618 jared.webley@avistacorp.com

Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174

Washington Department of Ecology

Jimmy Norris, (360) 480-5722, jino461@ecy.wa.gov

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Robert Steed, (208) 769-1422, robert.steed@deq.idaho.gov