Nonpoint Source Pollution - Solutions: Participation

Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology home > Water Quality > Nonpoint Pollution > What You Can Do

What You Can Do

Local Involvement | Volunteer Monitoring | To Learn More

Improving water quality requires each of us to get involved and take action. There are many opportunities to participate in this effort in the state of Washington.

Simple things we can all do to help protect water quality:

Recycle (motor oil too!)
Carpool, bus, bike, walk
Pick up pet waste
Install low-flow devices in toilets, showers and faucets
Maintain your car
Avoid toxic products
Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use
Get involved in a water cleanup planning effort in your watershed.

See Ecology's Enviro-Tips for more suggestions!

Get Involved Locally

Listed below are some examples of opportunities to participate in water quality improvement. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list.

See Ecology's Public Involvement Calendar to find out about public meetings, workshops, hearings, and comment periodsin your area. The Public Involvement Calendar is designed to engage the public in Ecology’s decision-making process.

Restoration Projects

Contact your local Stream Team, conservation district, Master Gardeners, or native plant salvage project.

Shared Strategy for Puget Sound
". . .collaborative initiative by Puget Sound communities to protect and restore salmon runs"

Volunteer Monitoring

To find out about stream, creek or lake monitoring projects in your area contact your local Stream Team, city or county government or Washington State University Extension office.

Check out Ecology's Environmental Education page for more volunteer opportunities.

How to Learn More

Public Education Opportunities
(Meetings, conferences, workshops)

None at this time.

Let us know if you spot a problem!

Click on the area you're interested in on the map below:

Eastern Regional Office: (509) 329-3445

Central Regional Office: (509) 575-2012

Northwest Regional Office: (425) 649-7229

Southwest Regional Office: (360) 407-6300

Next: Other Information Related to Nonpoint Pollution

Last updated February 2006