IDAH2O Master Water Stewards

09/10/2026

Protecting our sole-source aquifer from spill-able materials like oils and chemicals is essential to having clean drinking water. My new video, in partnership with Panhandle Health District’s Critical Materials Program, gives a brief overview of some ways to use best management practices (BMPs) to do so.

The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer is a designated ...

07/07/2026

🧭 BloomWatch At-a-Glance • July 5th

🛰️ EPA’s CyAN weekly satellite composite shows a low-level increase in cyanobacteria activity in the north inlet areas. These signals represent early‑season biological activity likely driven by nutrient‑rich inflows from recent stormwater runoff and other loading sources. Not unusual or alarming.

📈 Lake Levels & Flow
Elevation: 4823.7 ft (≈ 83 % full) ⬇️
Dam Discharge: ~ 1,775 cfs⬇️ steady
Surface Water Temperature: ~65 to 68 F ⬆️
Secchi Depth: supports increased biological activity, see comments

More citizen‑science data and parameter explanations:
🔗 https://citsci.org/projects/lake-cascade-idaho/
🔗 https://citsci.org/projects/lake-cascade-idaho/resources

Presented by citizen scientists for community awareness to make faster and better-informed recreation decisions related to cyanobacterial blooms.

Satellite data show relative abundance, not toxin levels or health thresholds.
For official advisories or to report HABs: [email protected]

________________________________
This information is presented from the viewpoint of a citizen scientist. Images and information contained herein are presented for general educational and informational purposes to increase overall awareness. The information should not be considered exhaustive. The satellite-estimated abundance data are not intended to be used as a numeric target for advising public health recommendations. They are not comparable to the state trigger levels for posting advisories. It is important to note that satellite data does not measure or predict cyanotoxin concentrations.

This information is not intended to be regulatory, health, or expert advice or services, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals. Report HABs to [email protected]

07/07/2026

Looking for ways to improve water quality on your land? Funding and flexible conservation programs may be available through PCD!

This spring, a landowner in the Union Flat Creek Watershed worked with PCD to plant a 30-foot grass buffer along Union Flat Creek. The landowner had long been interested in establishing a buffer along the creek and found that the Commodity Buffer Program provided the flexibility to implement a conservation practice that fit both his stewardship goals and his farming operation.

Commodity buffers are strips of perennial vegetation established at the edge of a water course. These buffers are planted to grasses or other vegetation that can still be harvested, allowing producers to protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural productivity. Commodity buffers can also help provide regulatory certainty by demonstrating a deliberate effort to adhere to water quality best practices. By choosing to install the buffer voluntarily, the landowner showed a commitment to protecting water quality while keeping the practice compatible with his operation. After seeding the buffer in April, a recent site visit showed strong grass emergence and encouraging establishment. As the stand matures, it is expected to provide long-term benefits for both water quality and wildlife.

Grass buffers help reduce sediment runoff, limit streambank erosion, and create a protective setback from farming activities near waterways. They also provide valuable habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Projects like this show that practical conservation can support working lands while improving water quality across the watershed.

To learn more about the Commodity Buffer Program, visit PalouseCD.org/commodity-buffers.

05/12/2026

Update from Lake Cascade.

Citizen Scientist Bloomwatch: May 3 to 10th
The data continues to reflect seasonally low biological activity and fresh cool water. No significant cyanobacteria signal at any site. We are field sampling tomorrow (Tuesday) and will provide an update.

🛰️ EPA CyAN Satellite Imagery: Continues looking good! Currently, satellite imagery shows NO significant detectable cyanobacteria. Near-shore response: mixed land/water pixels may be reading land vegetation and/or shallow water bottom foliage. It is not possible to discount reported concentration entirely, as a response may be valid due to wind action on a bloom, resulting in shoreline accumulation requiring further investigation.

💧 Water‑Quality Indicators :
Lake Elevation: 4827 ft; 96% full ➡ (full pool is 4828')
Dam Discharge: ~2,050 cfs ⬇️

Secchi Depth (water clarity): 9.5 - >15+ ft ➡
Water Temp: ~ 56°F ⬆
Dissolved Oxygen: 8.9 mg/ ⬇️

More detailed data at:
https://citsci.org/projects/lake-cascade-idaho/

________________________________
This information is presented from the viewpoint of a citizen scientist. Images and information contained herein are presented for general educational and informational purposes to increase overall awareness. The information should not be considered exhaustive. The satellite-estimated abundance data are not intended to be used as a numeric target for advising public health recommendations. They are not comparable to the state trigger levels for posting advisories. It is important to note that satellite data does not measure or predict cyanotoxin concentrations.

This information is not intended to be regulatory, health, or expert advice or services, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals.

04/27/2026

A sister city-sci stream monitoring program in Whitman County, WA!

We are recruiting volunteers to join the Confluence Crew community science water quality monitoring program! Our mission is to empower people in our community with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect our local water resources and contribute to participatory research. Training will take place in May. Learn more and sign up at PalouseCD.org/Confluence-Crew.

This program is made possible with funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology.