A group of homeowners living in a rural area south of the Spokane River near Post Falls is asking Kootenai County commissioners to hold off on approving any new subdivisions in the area, citing concerns of severe water shortages.

Any new subdivisions, the group says, would compound the shortage.

Association President Kathy Darrar said the group was seeking time to investigate the magnitude of the problem, which affects at least a couple dozen homeowners.

“We are working tirelessly to put together an interagency working group that will collect current groundwater data and provide a clear summary of its findings,” Darrar said.

The neighborhood group is working with several jurisdictions to study water supply in the area including the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Panhandle Health District and county planners.

“We’re currently waiting for those organizations to provide input on the draft Pleasantview Groundwater Study,” the neighborhood association said in a letter to county commissioners. “Meanwhile, it makes absolutely no sense to continue approving subdivisions in the Pleasantview area.”