Water Resources

Featured Project

PALOUSE BASIN AQUIFER STUDY: Working to solve the water supply challenges of tomorrow

The local aquifers within the Palouse region are declining. Alta evaluated potential long-term supply alternatives to support water supply needs over the next 50 years. The project included:

Outreach – to engage the local communities and agencies to educate and draw awareness to the water supply challenges. Outreach planning, relations campaign, awareness polling, social media plans, public meetings, and stakeholder engagement group facilitation.

Water Rights Investigations – to determine availability of water rights and determine if existing rights are sufficient for supply targets. The investigation covered Idaho, Washington, and Nez Perce tribal areas.

Interim Steps – determining the potential for incremental or phased projects resulted in slight modifications and development of a “Modified Alternative 4” that included surface water diversion and conveyance and treatment in conjunction with conservation measures.

Fisheries Evaluations – evaluating how surface water alternatives may impact the flows needed for aquatic species in the future.

Funding Strategies – to outline a funding strategy that blends multiple sources combined with revenue that aligns to the realities of the communities’ ability to pay.

This comprehensive approach aims to address the immediate water supply concerns while ensuring sustainable management and environmental protection for the Palouse region’s future.