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The future of our communities depends upon
the wise use of regional groundwater supplies.
As early as 1897 (yes 1897, not 1987), concerns were raised over the sustainability of water supplies here in the Palouse region, which straddles the Washington/Idaho state line. The first wells drew water from the superficial loess layers and shallow Wanapum basalts. In the 1950s, dramatically declining water levels in the Wanapum wells prompted the first well-drilling into the deeper Grande Ronde basalts. Water levels in the Grande Ronde wells have declined 1-2 feet per year since.
The water we're consuming most likely seeped into the Grande Ronde basalts during the last ice age, when the Palouse was covered with water. It is 10,000-20,000 years old, pristine as well as irreplaceable. Soil research shows that little precipitation is able to penetrate to the basalt layers from which we draw our water. Rain and melted snow travel horizontally to streams and are carried out of our basin. Once our groundwater is gone, it will never be restored (at least not on a human time scale).
The first area groundwater committee formed in the late 1960s and various incarnations have come and gone since. The Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC) has funded research that has contributed significantly to our understanding of our aquifers. But it's disappointing how little has been done to conserve our sole source of drinking water. Between one-third and one-half of water is used during the summer months, mostly for irrigation of landscaping that is native to wetter climates.
Some people argue in favor of artificially recharging the aquifers so that we can continue pumping groundwater. But this practice could jeopardize groundwater quality and reduce the ability of the basalts to store and transmit water. Another option is the collection and direct use of surface water. While this option might be more costly, it is sustainable and doesn't threaten the underground supply. If groundwater pumping could be halted, groundwater levels might slowly show some recovery. The remaining groundwater would continue to be a valuable reserve to be used in times of reduced surface water supply.
Whether artificial recharge, direct use of surface water, or a combination of the two is chosen for our future water needs, it will take many years and tens (or hundreds) of millions of dollars to develop the solution. In the meantime, it makes sense to use our limited groundwater resource as conservatively as possible. The goal of the Palouse Water Conservation Network, an independent citizens group, is to promote the wise and careful use of this precious resource.
