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Directed by the Legislature to protect stream flows, Ecology adopted a rule in 1984 with updates in 1988 that sets a regulatory framework for managing groundwater use and surface water diversions. This rule remains in effect today.
Ecology has funded the first phase of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey to detail the connection between aquifers and surface water in this watershed (hydrogeologic study). More funding is being sought to complete additional research.
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The Kennedy-Goldsborough Basin WRIA 14 is comprised of the southeast one-third of Mason County and a small portion of the northwest corner of Thurston County. Surface water plays an important role for the community’s domestic use as well as recreational and habitat purposes. There are a number of independent low-elevation streams which flow through the rolling foothills of the area and discharge into southern Puget Sound. This watershed lacks high-elevation snow pack and ice fields, leaving streams and creeks dependent upon direct precipitation and groundwater for flows. Precipitation averages since 1980 indicate Mason County receives around 76 inches of rain annually. July and August are the driest months of the year, averaging 1.2 inches of rain per month. Like so many other watersheds in the state, the demand for water increases when it is in the shortest supply, putting pressure on surface and groundwater resources. Additional Information
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Phil Crane
Water Resources Program - SWRO
Phone: (360)
407-0238
Email:
pcra461@ecy.wa.gov
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