Events Prompted By Water Concerns Class Offers Water-Saving Tips For Landscaping

In the face of declining groundwater levels in city wells, the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee is encouraging water conservation through a series of free local events to mark National Groundwater Awareness Week May 7-13.

Groundwater from the Palouse Basin is the sole source of water for nearly 50,000 residents in Pullman and Moscow, as well as other parts of Whitman and Latah counties.

In Pullman, residents can take guided tours of native and low water use plantings at Lawson Gardens at 10 a.m. May 10 or 2 p.m. May 11. Also May 11, tours of the wastewater treatment plant are available at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

In Moscow, Teresa Beaver, owner of Teresa’s Garden nursery in Moscow will give a presentation on using native plants and low maintenance landscaping on the Palouse. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. May 9.

On Wednesday, May 10th, the Moscow wastewater treatment plant will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to noon for those interested in treatment efforts, experimental wetlands or reuse of treated effluent. From 1-4 p.m. Wednesday the Moscow water filtration plant will hold an open house, including tours of the “green sand filter” and the computerized system that runs the city water supply and drinking water wells.

For more information or to schedule a large group tour, contact Juliet McKenna at the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee at 885-7113.