Publication Summary

Executive Summary
The state of Washington is blessed with an abundance of rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, marine waters and aquifers. These waters provide a resource for irrigation, industry, electricity, drinking, and habitat for birds, shellfish and other aquatic life. State waters also support recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The quality of the state′s waters can impact the economy in a number of ways.

Executive Summary
The state of Washington is blessed with an abundance of rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, marine waters and aquifers. These waters provide a resource for irrigation, industry, electricity, drinking, and habitat for birds, shellfish and other aquatic life. State waters also support recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The quality of the state′s waters can impact the economy in a number of ways.

Washington′s economy depends on a healthy environment. Fishing, forestry, agriculture, and mining are examples of resource-based industries that depend upon the availability of natural resources to survive. These industries can also be a threat to water quality. With the population of the state growing, more demands are being placed on industry, and municipalities as well as on the environment. These demands can lead to an increased threat to water quality. It is important to monitor the surface and groundwaters of the state in order to guide activities to maintain pristine conditions where possible, minimize the impacts of unavoidable contamination and protect resources dependent on clean water.

Groundwater supplies are being challenged due to population growth and the accompanying demand for water use and wastewater disposal. Pesticides and nitrates found in wells, as well as lower than average rainfall over the years, are challenging the state′s ability to sustain high quality water supplies.

In compliance with the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), section 305(b), the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) gathers information on water quality in the state and reports this information to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every year. The EPA then compiles the information with data received from other states to report the conditions of our nation′s waters to Congress. Ecology′s goal is to improve the quality of the state waters where existing quality is less than desired or required, as well as to maintain pristine conditions where they are found. By working together with state and local governments, tribes, community interest groups, industries and others, Ecology will be able to accomplish this task.

This report serves as a data update to the 2000 305(b) report submitted to EPA. The two assessment methods used in the 2000 305(b) report were also used in this report for the purpose of maintaining consistency. Both assessments offer valuable information for understanding the quality of the state waters.

The first assessment method provides water quality information based on data collected on specific waterbodies and on the use attainment assigned to those waters. This approach is known as the census approach. The assessment combines data and assesses only a small portion of the state. Use of only the census approach can result in a biased representation of the state′s water quality.

The second assessment method uses the sample approach. This method makes assumptions about waterbodies at the regional level based on a small data set. Sample surveys are intended to assess the condition of the entire resource when a complete census cannot be accomplished. This approach presents the conditions of the state′s water quality by estimating the total use support from a monitored subset of waterbodies.

The results from both assessment methods indicate that water quality has improved for a number of uses compared to the results reported in the year 2000 305(b) report. Though these results indicate improvement in some areas, the method used for this analysis is not a statistical analysis and is not intended to be used as a trend analysis. The method of analysis used for this report, as set forth by the EPA guidelines, combines a number of parameters for each use assessed resulting in an overview of the states water quality, not trends. For a detailed description of state water quality conditions, please refer to Ecology′s 1999 Water Year Report, publication number 01-03-013. Additional information may be obtained through Ecology′s ambient monitoring program web site located at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/.

Current data results indicate that 49 percent (census survey) and 48 percent (sample survey) of all river and stream lengths monitored are impaired for one or more of their beneficial uses as established by state water quality standards. The primary causes of water quality problems continue to be high temperature, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria. The greatest pollution sources for impairment to Washington State rivers and streams are agricultural activities, modification of stream habitat, and stormwater runoff.

Data results for all estuary areas assessed indicate that 78 percent (census survey) and 77 percent (sample survey) of all estuaries monitored are impaired for one or more of their beneficial uses as established by state water quality standards. The primary causes of use impairment to estuaries continue to be temperature and low dissolved oxygen. Although the greatest pollution sources of impairments to Washington State estuaries are due to natural causes, these results must be reported as impairments according to the 1997 EPA guidelines for preparation of the 305(b) report.

Washington State lake data results indicate that 38 percent (census survey) and 37 percent (sample survey) of all lakes are impaired for one or more of their beneficial uses. The primary cause of use impairment in lakes continues to be excessive nutrients. Nonpoint source pollution originating from agricultural activities, urbanization, forestry operations, and natural conditions are the greatest source of water quality impairment to lakes in Washington State.

In the state of Washington, groundwater is the source of drinking water for the majority of citizens. In large areas east of the Cascade Mountain Range, 80 to 90 percent of the available drinking water is obtained from groundwater sources. Generally, groundwater quality in Washington State is good. However, there are several areas of degraded groundwater where beneficial uses have been negatively impacted. Degradation of Washington State′s groundwater is primarily due to nitrates, pesticides, metals and other nonpoint source pollution.

Washington State′s water resources are a valuable asset to the state. It is important that the state continue to protect these resources. Watershed planning, adequate funding, partnerships, and community involvement are important contributors to accomplishing this. As the state works toward the goal, of protecting water resources, citizens will be able to continue to enjoy them.