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9 stations found with results that exceeded water quality standards  in December of 2011 (water-year 2012) based on preliminary data *

The Department of Ecology places limits on how much pollution is allowed in our rivers to protect public health and enjoyment, and to support fish, shellfish, and wildlife (WAC 173-201A). Individual results for temperature, pH, oxygen, fecal coliform bacteria, and metals (where sampled) that are higher than these criteria are listed below. (The standards do not contain criteria for other types of water quality constituents.) This table includes only results from our monthly monitoring program. Results from other monitoring, such as continuous monitoring for temperature, are not evaluated here.

Exceeding a criterion does not necessarily mean the water quality standard has been violated. Often, other “pollution” conditions must exist for a stream segment to be in violation of water quality standards. In some cases, standards require that the source of pollution be human activities rather than natural causes. Also, more than a single result exceeding a criterion may be required.

* Data are not considered finalized until our annual report is published. This can take as long as nine months from the end of the water year. Until published, data are subject to change without notice.

Stations are listed by Department of Ecology Region