Publication Summary

Portions of Willapa Bay and the Willapa River have been identified as "water quality limited" due to bacterial pollution from human and animal sources. Fecal coliform sources threaten or impair shellfish harvest areas of Willapa Bay, which produces over 50% of Washington's shellfish. Ground water and recreational uses are also threatened by bacterial contamination. The report, which was partially funded by a USEPA Near Coastal Waters Grant, evaluates current bacterial problems, and explores management options for effective control of bacterial loading to achieve compliance with water quality standards and protect beneficial uses.

Most of the bacterial problems in the watershed appear to be generated by nonpoint sources: on-site septic systems, combined sewer overflows, and livestock manure. Some corrections of the major sources have occurred, but problems in other areas have led to shellfish harvesting restrictions. Controlling bacterial contamination in the watershed is a priority among local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. The report recommends that these groups come together and form a cooperative and coordinated control effort. Either a total maximum daily load or local initiative organizational structure could work. The report also recommends several control strategy elements.