The Essentials

Water

The Northwest is blessed with an abundant supply of fresh water, most of which is non-fluoridated. Spokane’s drinking water comes from the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene aquifer, which is fed by Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. The Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, is located 80 miles west of Spokane. It is fed by the mighty Columbia River, one of the most impressive rivers in North America.

Electricity

An abundance of hydroelectric power offers Northwesterners some of the lowest electrical rates in the nation. Electrical deregulation has not yet come to Washington.

Natural Gas

Stable prices and easy hook-up make natural gas a viable energy source in most areas of Spokane.

Air Quality

The Spokane region has seen major improvements in air quality over the last couple of decades. Since the mid-1990s, air quality in Spokane has measured within federal, health-based standards. Thanks to the significant efforts made by businesses, and improvements in automobile technology, the air we’re breathing today is cleaner than it was even a decade ago. Improving and maintaining good air quality remains a high priority for the region.

Trash and Garbage

Within the City of Spokane, garbage service is provided by the City of Spokane Utility Department. Curbside pick-up service for recyclables is available for city residents. Residents are supplied with a special bin for glass bottles, cans, newspapers, plastic bottles and household batteries. Crews collect these items every week on the same day as normal garbage pick-up. Garbage service within the surrounding areas of the county is provided by Waste Management of Spokane.

Communications

Telecommunications

Area residential and commercial telephone service is provided by Qwest. Commercial service is also provided by Electric Lightwave, Time Warner Telecom and XO Communications. You may want to call in advance to establish service and receive your new number. This will help keep you in contact with banks, real estate agents, friends, etc.

Inland Northwest GigaPop

The Inland Northwest GigaPop is an advanced fiber-optic network that can send and receive vast amounts of information, and is part of the Pacific Northwest GigaPop at the University of Washington. The connection provides access to high-performance networks serving education, research and development in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. It enables regional high-speed data exchange with several surrounding universities in Washington State and the Inland Northwest.

The Gigapop provides new research opportunities such as the ability for students and researchers to have access to distant, site-specific resources that were previously inaccessible – such as telescopes, underwater observatories, and special laboratories; and medical students will observe surgeries and other procedures remotely. Specialized medical diagnostic tools could be used far from their home locations.

The SpokaneHotZone

The SpokaneHotZone is the nation’s largest municipal wireless fidelity (wi-fi) network deployment. A high-speed broadband wireless network that covers a 100-block area is available for free public Internet access by any computer, portable or handheld device that supports Wi-Fi.

Libraries

The Spokane Public Library maintains a downtown library and five branch libraries serving the East Side, Hillyard, Shadle, South Hill, and Indian Trail areas of the City of Spokane. The Spokane County Library District maintains five suburban libraries (three in Spokane Valley, one in the Whitworth University area, and one on the South Hill), as well as libraries in Cheney, Deer Park, Medical Lake, Fairfield and Airway Heights.

Media

Spokane’s communications network keeps the public in touch with today’s news and entertainment. Whether through print, radio or television, Spokane serves a four-state trade zone, as well as parts of Canada. Spokane is home to seven local television stations, a large number of radio stations, and is served by five major newspapers.

Shopping

As a retail center for the region, Spokane serves the needs of shoppers of all ages and incomes. Downtown has a unique skywalk system that connects 18 square blocks of shops and department stores. River Park Square, site of a $100 million regional downtown redevelopment project, includes Nordstrom, Macy’s, a 20-screen mega-plex cinema, specialty restaurants and retail shops.

Around Spokane, several major shopping centers and multiple neighborhood centers provide convenient shopping opportunities. With an impressive tenant mix approaching 200 retailers, NorthTown Mall boasts the largest mix of retail stores between Seattle and Minneapolis along the Interstate 90 corridor. An extensive expansion in 2000 included the addition of Nordstrom Rack, Barnes & Noble, Regal 12 Cinemas and Chili’s. Spokane Valley Mall is the only regional shopping center with direct freeway access and visibility. In addition to the 120 stores and restaurants in the mall, development in and around the property has grown tremendously with Spokane’s first and only Old Navy, David’s Bridal, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. Additionally, TJ Maxx and Linens N Things complement the property.

Water
City of Spokane	(509) 625-6000
Consolidated Irrigation District	(509) 924-3655
Vera Water & Power District	(509) 924-3800
Electricity
AVISTA	(509) 489-0500
Inland Power & Light Co.	(509) 747-7151
Modern Electric Water Co.	(509) 928-4540
Vera Water & Power District	(509) 924-3800
Natural Gas
AVISTA	(509) 489-0500
Trash and Garbage
City of Spokane Utility Department	(509) 625-6000
Recycle Hotline	(509) 625-6800
Waste Management of Spokane	(509) 924-9400
Telephone
Qwest	(866) 401-0127