The City of Airway Heights (CAWH) has been approached by a private company interested in purchasing reclaimed water from the City for use in cooling a proposed data center and green hydrogen production facility in Spokane County.
Airway Heights uses reclaimed water for municipal purposes, including park irrigation. At this time, CAWH has had a few meetings with the company to better understand the scope of their request. No decisions or agreements have been made about this proposal.
The City takes its responsibility to residents, businesses, and ratepayers seriously. This includes responding to community concerns, protecting our water resources, and planning responsibly for our long-term infrastructure needs.
The proposal is in its early stages, and several factors that could affect whether the project moves forward have not yet been determined, including whether the City of Spokane will provide potable water and sewer service for the project.
As part of its due diligence, the CAWH is requesting an analysis from an independent engineering firm to evaluate the feasibility and impacts of providing reclaimed water for the project. This study is expected to take approximately 12 months and is estimated to cost about $163,800. The project proponent has agreed to cover the full cost of the analysis. City Council is expected to consider whether to proceed with the analysis during an August Council meeting.
We understand that members of the community may have questions about the proposal and what it could mean for Airway Heights. We will share information as it becomes available and will provide opportunities for the community to learn more.
Updates will be shared through the City’s regular public communication channels, including the City of Airway Heights website and City Council meetings. Community members may also contact the City with questions or requests for additional information.
The City of Airway Heights, Wash. (pop. 12,070) was named after its location between Fairchild Air Force Base and the Spokane International Airport in Spokane County. Airway Heights is a full-service city with its own police, fire department, and municipal court system. The City’s vision is to maintain its small town feel where neighbors are friendly, welcoming, and willing to help each other. Airway Heights operates under a balanced budget and has passed all its independent audits by the state. More information on Airway Heights can be found at www.cawh.org.