On the Ballot: Aquifer Protection Area

Ballots are being delivered for the August 5 primaries, and if you haven’t heard, the Spokane County Aquifer Protection Area (APA) is Measure 1. For the first time in 20 years, the City of Spokane has the opportunity to rejoin the APA as the County seeks reauthorization for Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley, and parts of unincorporated Spokane County. 

The image below shows the current APA boundaries:

(Photo from Spokane County)

The APA includes a per-parcel fee – not a tax – to property bills in exchange for aquifer protection. Measure 1 on this year’s ballot would continue the existing fee structure, which has remained unchanged since 1985. 

The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRP) has been designated as a sole source aquifer since 1978, and today it provides drinking water to more than a half million people. Renewing and expanding the APA helps to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for the future. If not renewed, services and essential programs could be reduced.

To learn more about the APA on Ballot Measure 1, see Spokane County’s fact sheets below, or visit Spokane County Public Works website.

Additionally, you can hear directly from Spokane County Environmental Services Manager Ben Brattebo and Spokane Riverkeeper Water Protector Katelyn Scott by tuning in to this month’s “Spokane County Spotlight” on KSPS PBS this Saturday, July 19, at 6:30PM. And remember to vote by August 5!