The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRP) is a big underground water source for Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Over 500,000 people get their drinking water from it, most likely including you!

The aquifer is like a big sponge made of sand, gravel, rocks, and other pieces called sediments. These materials have spaces between them, where water can flow and be stored underground.

There are two kinds of aquifers:

• Unconsolidated (made of loose sand and gravel)
• Consolidated (made of hard rock)

The SVRP is an unconsolidated aquifer, which means it holds water in the spaces between the loose materials. The Spokane River is the main source of water for this aquifer. Water also flows back out into the Spokane River

Hard water is water that has too much calcium and magnesium in it. It might also have other unwanted water contaminants in it.  

You may have water if:

• Your Water Tastes or Smells Bad
• The Dishes and Glasses Have Spots, Even After Being Cleaned
• Water Comes Out Slowly From the Tap
• Your Dishwasher Won’t Work
• You Find White, Chalky Stuff on the Tap
• Clothes or Towels are Stiff or Losing Color
• Your Skin Hurts
• Your Nails Are Dry
• Soap Won’t Spread Easily
• Brown Water
• Hair Falling Out

There are more warning signs of hard water that we haven't listed above.

If you're an adult concerned about your home's water, click here to receive a free water test and know for sure if you have hard water!