Despite low snow pack and precipitation along with higher-than-normal temperatures, water usage in the area are not likely to be rationed. (Press photo: Shawn Gust)

Despite a warm, dry winter and spring, water providers in Kootenai County are not too worried about the region's water supplies. Like most cities and water districts throughout the region, Coeur d'Alene draws water from the Rathdrum Prairie -- Spokane Valley Aquifer, which flows at the Idaho/Washington border at a rate of 650,000,000 gallons a day. The city provides water to residents primarily within city limits, and according to Water Superintendent Jim Markley, the city has 18,000 water accounts. "And that's a carefully chosen word," he said. "It includes irrigation accounts - The Coeur d'Alene Resort is one account, and the little old lady down the street living by herself is one account. Basically it's the number of hook-ups we have." The number of accounts translates to approximately 45,000 people. Rationing of water in the Lake City isn't on the radar, he said, and with the condition of the aquifer there is no need to be concerned about that changing anytime soon/Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

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