Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee – Regional Water Supply Planning Study

The local aquifers within the Palouse region are declining, creating a need for thoughtful, long-term solutions. WSB, through its legacy firm Alta Science & Engineering, Inc., evaluated potential supply alternatives to support water needs over the next 50 years. The project included:

Outreach – engaging communities and agencies to build awareness of water supply challenges. Efforts included outreach planning, a public relations campaign, awareness polling, social media strategies, public meetings, and stakeholder group facilitation.

Water Rights Investigations – assessing the availability of water rights and evaluating whether existing rights meet future supply targets. This work spanned Idaho, Washington, and Nez Perce tribal areas.

Interim Steps – exploring phased and incremental approaches, resulting in refinements and the development of a “Modified Alternative 4,” which combines surface water diversion, conveyance, and treatment alongside conservation measures.

Fisheries Evaluations – analyzing how surface water alternatives may affect streamflows needed to support aquatic species over time.

Funding Strategies – developing a funding approach that blends multiple sources and aligns with each community’s ability to pay.

This comprehensive effort addresses immediate water supply challenges while supporting sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship for the future of the Palouse region.