Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer |
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Map of the Aquifer
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| Location | United States |
| Primary inflows |
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| Primary outflows | Spokane River |
| Surface area | 370 square miles (960 km2) |
| Water volume | 10 trillion gallons (12,000 km3) |
The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is a huge underground water source in the U.S. states of Washington and Idaho. It's like a giant sponge made of gravel and sand that holds a lot of water. This aquifer is found mostly under the Spokane Valley and the Rathdrum Prairie, which is how it got its name.
This amazing underground lake holds about 10 trillion gallons (38 trillion liters) of water! That's a massive amount. It's part of the larger Columbia River Drainage Basin, which is a huge area where all the water eventually flows into the Columbia River. The Spokane River is the only main river that flows above ground for a long distance in this area.
The land above the aquifer gets about 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm) of rain every year. This water slowly soaks into the ground and helps refill the aquifer. This aquifer is super important because it provides drinking water for over 700,000 people in the greater Spokane area.
Contents
What is an Aquifer?
An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sand that holds groundwater. Think of it like a giant underground storage tank for water. When it rains, water soaks into the ground and fills up these layers.
How Aquifers Work
Water moves through tiny spaces in the rocks and soil. It can stay underground for a long time. People can get this water by drilling wells down into the aquifer.
Types of Aquifers
There are different kinds of aquifers. Some are shallow, and some are very deep. The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is a special type called an "unconfined aquifer." This means it's open to the surface, and water can easily seep in from above.
Where is the Aquifer Located?
The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer stretches across two states: Washington and Idaho. It's centered under two main areas: the Spokane Valley in Washington and the Rathdrum Prairie in Idaho.
Cities and Towns Served
Many cities and towns rely on this aquifer for their water. These include Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Coeur d'Alene. It's a vital resource for everyone living in this region.
How the Aquifer Gets Its Water
The aquifer is refilled, or "recharged," by several sources. Rain and snowmelt are big contributors. Water from nearby lakes and rivers also helps keep the aquifer full.
Important Lakes and Rivers
Several lakes feed into the aquifer. These include Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Coeur d'Alene, and Hayden Lake. The Spokane River also plays a role, as it's closely connected to the aquifer.
Why is the Aquifer Important?
The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is incredibly important for many reasons. It provides clean drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people. It also supports local businesses and agriculture.
Water for Daily Life
Imagine not having clean water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. The aquifer makes sure homes, schools, and hospitals have the water they need every day.
Supporting the Environment
The aquifer also helps keep rivers and streams flowing, which is good for fish and other wildlife. It's a key part of the natural environment in the region.
Protecting the Aquifer
Because the aquifer is so important, it's crucial to protect it. Pollution can easily seep into the ground and contaminate the water.
Preventing Pollution
People work hard to prevent pollution from reaching the aquifer. This includes careful management of waste and chemicals. Education helps everyone understand how to keep the water clean.
Conservation Efforts
Saving water is another way to protect the aquifer. Using less water means there's more available for everyone and for the future. Simple things like taking shorter showers or fixing leaky faucets can help.
Images for kids
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Map of the Aquifer
