Communities plan for parched months ahead

Medical Lake, West Plains water districts look to city of Spokane water connections as a way out of recurring drought problems

By RYAN LANCASTER

Staff Reporter

As West Plains officials prepare to meet the upcoming dry season they'll consider how the mild temperatures and scant snowfall of our recent El Niño winter might impact an already dwindling aquifer.

“The lack of snow pack doesn't directly affect this area too much but in general terms it will lessen the recharge of groundwater out here,” John Livingston, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Airway Heights said. Liv...