The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) uses a five-level rating scheme to designate drought conditions. Currently, like other parts of the state, the Idaho Panhandle is experiencing significant levels of drought. Yet, despite these dry conditions, our demands for water are undiminished. In fact, our local economy and area residents rely on its abundant flow. Furthermore, Kootenai County’s population is increasing daily, and sustaining this continued growth depends on an abundant water supply. Therefore, we must take this matter seriously to ensure that ground water remains a reliable resource.Given the urgency of this issue, we are dedicating this Friday’s Club Meeting to a discussion on water resource management. It is imperative that we become better informed about the impacts of drought on our local water shed. More importantly, we need to understand what steps can be taken to conserve and protect this critical resource.
To help us comprehend these issues, we welcome Kristi Reed Johnson. Kristi is a long-time Democrat that many of you know. More importantly, she is an original board member of the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Protection District. Her dedicated work on local water issues makes her a great resource to address this topic.
This public event occurs at noon on Friday, July 30, at JB’s Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene. It is open to anyone interested in the important topic of water conservation. So, invite your family, friends, and even concerned Republicans to join you. If you can’t come to the in-person gathering, join us online over Zoom. We distribute a Zoom link on the Thursday prior to the meeting date. To request the link or assistance getting connected, contact Phil at pjwmia@aol.com.
Also, find videos of past Club meetings at KootenaiCountyDemClub.com/Meeting Videos.
Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer
The Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (RPA) in Northern Idaho is a valuable and significant resource to the region and the state of Idaho. Lying under parts of Kootenai and Bonner counties, the aquifer is a key part of the regional water resources which make the area a magnet for economic growth and an attractive place to live and work.
Source: Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer: Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan | July 2011 (adopted) (idaho.gov)
