Water Shortage Forces Rationing In Colbert In/Around: Colbert

The recent hot weather, some browning lawns and outdoor sprinklers pushed water use in the Colbert area to capacity.

Whitworth Water District, which has just one pipe serving Colbert, ordered rationing two weeks ago as a short-term solution - but now is looking for a long-term fix, according to the water district’s manager, Susan Eldore.

For years a single pipe has carried Whitworth’s water from its reservoir to the community north of Spokane. That was sufficient - so long as Colbert remained a rural, one-store town.

But residential growth in the area has increased demand for water. Now, the little town is surrounded by homes on five- and 10-acre tracts.

And, Eldore said, water usage has increased to capacity as people tried to water their large lawns and gardens.

Rationing, coupled with this week’s cooler weather, have helped.

But, she said, the long-term answer is a second pipe carrying water to Colbert. That second line is now under construction and should be completed this fall, she said.

Until the summer weather breaks for good, rationing will continue in Colbert, where residents are asked to limit lawn and garden watering to every other day.

Other areas served by Whitworth Water District have had no problems and are not being asked to ration water.