Spokane lawmakers, water experts plan forum Tuesday night to discuss aquifer health

Spokane lawmakers and water experts will hold a forum Tuesday night to discuss the health of the region’s water system, amid requests from surrounding areas to buy the city’s supply.

Spokane City Councilman Breean Beggs said the forum was formed as a response to concerns raised after the city began talks this summer with Medical Lake and other areas of the West Plains to sell its water. The event, which will feature speakers from conservation groups, the city’s Water Department and the area’s native tribes is intended to inform the public and lawmakers about efforts to reduce the amount of water leaking from the municipal system and to prevent polluted runoff from reaching the Spokane River.

“This is a chance for us to step back, and understand the system,” Beggs said.

The event is free to attend and will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the city council chambers at Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Public comments and questions will be taken at the event.