Idaho, Washington announce modeling system for aquifer

February 2008

U.S. Water News Online

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Officials with Idaho and Washington have announced an agreement for a $3.5 million modeling system to chart the effect of taking water from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie aquifer.

The system will help decision makers in both states when it comes to deciding how to divide water in the aquifer.

It's the sole drinking water supply for Spokane and two northern Idaho counties.

The modeling system is designed to show how much water is available and how much can be appropriated.

Officials say the system is an informal tool and each state retains the authority to make decisions about water within their states.

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