Publication Summary

A pilot study to test a standardized assessment method was undertaken by Ecology′s Environmental Assessment Program between 2003 and 2005. This report summarizes the estimated costs of the pilot study, and evaluates the valuable lessons learned during that effort.

The report also presents costs estimates and recommendations for the creation of a permanent groundwater assessment program within Ecology. The proposal envisions establishing between two to four assessment teams that would simultaneously conduct ambient groundwater monitoring and characterization studies in different parts of the state. The estimated biennial cost for the proposed program would range from $1.1 to $2.2 million.

Washington State citizens are recognizing the high value of the state′s groundwater resources. Groundwater provides fresh water for our homes, industry, agriculture, and the natural environment. Groundwater, however, is a limited resource that is vulnerable to both contamination and overdraft. The long-term availability of a clean, reliable supply of groundwater will clearly be a key component of managing the state′s complex water resource challenges, and ensuring a healthy environment and economy into the future.

Nearly two-thirds of state citizens already depend on groundwater as a safe drinking water source, and demand for additional groundwater withdrawals is expanding rapidly across the state with population growth and restrictions on further surface water withdrawals.

As an integral part of the hydrologic cycle, groundwater is also increasingly recognized for the important role it plays in influencing surface water flows and quality. Discharge from state groundwater aquifers sustains streamflow throughout the biologically critical low-flow season, and affects the habitat value of streams, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries across Washington.

Despite the significance of the resource to Washington citizens, there is currently no strategically organized, state-level program to monitor and assess larger-scale ambient groundwater conditions. The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) monitoring and management efforts remain heavily focused on surface water resources. The limited information and understanding we have about the status, behavior, and availability of groundwater continues to hamper both state and local efforts to manage our water in a proactive, cost-effective manner.

From 2003 through 2005, Ecology′s Environmental Assessment Program conducted a pilot test of a proposed state groundwater monitoring and assessment program to help address this important information need. This report summarizes the key lessons and recommendations from that effort.