PRESS RELEASE: 23rd Annual Palouse Basin Water Summit set for Thursday, October 29th, 3-7:00pm SEL Event Center, Pullman WA

2026 Summit features Dr. William Alley, an accomplished speaker in groundwater science and policy.

Every October, the Annual Palouse Basin Water Summit reminds us that water is our single most essential resource connecting our health, economy, environment, and daily lives. As such, it is our shared responsibility to work together to secure our local water future. The 2026 Summit will feature Dr. William Alley, an accomplished writer and Director of Science and Technology for the National Ground Water Association.

About Dr. William Alley

Previous to his current role as the Director of Science and Technology with the National Ground Water Association, he served as Chief in the Office of Groundwater for the U.S. Geological Survey for almost two decades. Dr. Alley has over 100 scientific publications and received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award and Shoemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Communication. He was elected as a Fellow of the Geological Society of America in 2009.

He has authored several books, articles, and op-ed pieces on groundwater in partnership with is wife Rosemarie which communicate complex environmental science issues to a broad audience. The Palouse Basin Water Summit will be the first event wherein he will share his new book, Banking on Groundwater: The Quest To Replenish The Worlds Aquifers, which is due to be released in November of this year. The book provides a comprehensive tour of recharge projects across the US and around the world and explores how managed aquifer recharge can help to solve global water shortages.

About the Summit

Water is our communities’ most precious resource. For potable water in our community, we rely on an aquifer system that is declining faster than it recharges. As users of this shared resource, we have a responsibility to manage it wisely.The Palouse Basin Water Summit began in 2003 when community members Paul Kimmel and Jon Kimberling needed more information about our local water supply. They started the Summit to help inform and engage themselves and the community on the issues surrounding our local water resources.

Since its inception, the Summit has gathered scientists, public servants, policymakers, and community members together every October to learn more about our local water supplies, water resource management, and everyday actions the community can take to conserve water.

In addition to Dr. Alley, we are excited, and extremely fortunate, to be joined by the Honorable Samuel Penney, Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. We will also hear from Joel Atwood, from the National Weather Service; Mike Faupel, Executive Director of the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC), who will provide the Annual State of the Basin report; Dr. Kara Whitman (WSU); Barb Cosens (UI); an update on the PBAC Clearwater Diversion Project, and recognition of our 2025 Palouse Basin Water Advocates.

Robin Nimmer, local hydrogeologist, and event emcee, sums it up best, “Water is my passion. The Palouse Basin Water Summit teaches us about our water in a fun way. It reminds us of the precious resource we have and empowers each of us to make a difference.”

Admission to the Summit is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Donations to support the Summit are accepted at https://bit.ly/PBWS2026.

For more information, visit our website at: www.palousebasinwatersummit.org

Note: While the 2026 Palouse Basin Water Summit is free and open to the public, the Palouse Basin Water Summit, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Voluntary donations collected during or after the event will go directly toward a future year’s Summit.