Publication Summary

This report describes the results of water quality monitoring on Little Lilliwaup Creek and Lilliwaup Creek in 1997-98. In 1997, the Department of Health (DOH) marine sampling stations in Lilliwaup Bay showed an increase in bacteria levels; two of the three stations no longer met the criteria for shellfish harvest. In cooperation with DOH, the Department of Ecology conducted bacterial source identification monitoring on Little Lilliwaup and Lilliwaup creeks.

This report describes the results of water quality monitoring on Little Lilliwaup Creek and Lilliwaup Creek in 1997-98. In 1997, the Department of Health (DOH) marine sampling stations in Lilliwaup Bay showed an increase in bacteria levels; two of the three stations no longer met the criteria for shellfish harvest. In cooperation with DOH, the Department of Ecology conducted bacterial source identification monitoring on Little Lilliwaup and Lilliwaup creeks.

Results showed that Little Lilliwaup Creek met freshwater quality standards for fecal coliform and was not a significant contributor of bacterial loading to the bay except during heavy rainfall. Lilliwaup Creek, a major source of loading to Lilliwaup Bay, did not meet water quality standards at three of five monitoring stations. In the wet season possible sources of bacteria in the upper watershed include land use on private property and wildlife use. Possible dry season sources in the lower Lilliwaup basin warrant further investigation.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID SF-LILLI