Publication Summary

The primary purpose of this strategic plan is to guide Water Quality Program staff and managers in charting the future course of the program. The plan reflects the best thinking of all staff who contributed to its development. It should guide those who develop annual or biennial operational work plans. The underlined activities in the "First 4 Years" on each objective indicate what the program will try to implement in the biennial plan. Short-term measurable objectives and activities should be based on the strategic direction the program is heading.

The primary purpose of this strategic plan is to guide Water Quality Program staff and managers in charting the future course of the program. The plan reflects the best thinking of all staff who contributed to its development. It should guide those who develop annual or biennial operational work plans. The underlined activities in the "First 4 Years" on each objective indicate what the program will try to implement in the biennial plan. Short-term measurable objectives and activities should be based on the strategic direction the program is heading.

The plan will also help us communicate with others so that we can build partnerships to the future. Finally, the plan will help us assess our progress in achieving our long-term goals and the legislative policy enunciated in RCW 90.48.010 which states - It is declared to be the public policy of the state of Washington to maintain the highest possible standards to insure the purity of all waters of the state consistent with public health and public enjoyment thereof, the propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life, and the industrial development of the state, and to that end require the use of all known available and reasonable methods by industries and others to prevent and control the pollution of waters of the state of Washington. Consistent with this policy, the state of Washington will exercise its powers, as fully and as effectively as possible, to retain and secure high quality for all waters of the state.