Water quality

Ecology is responsible for keeping Washington waters clean and helping polluted waters recover.
Ecology is responsible for keeping Washington waters clean and helping polluted waters recover.

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Ecology considers General Permit to control nutrients in Puget Sound

Excess levels of nutrients from human sources are harming Puget Sound. 

These wastewater treatment plants earn an A+ in clean water

Keeping a wastewater treatment plant in top-performing condition can be a tough job,  so every year we recognize these top-notch facilities and their operators.

Use caution if your local lake has a colorful coating
Reports of toxic blue-green algae blooms are beginning to surface east of the Cascades.
From onsite septic repair to stormwater infrastructure, $183 million is going to more than 100 clean water projects

We are offering more than $183 million in financial assistance for 106 high-priority clean water projects across the state.

By managing stormwater, cities and counties are helping to protect Washington’s waters
Reducing stormwater pollution helps prevent toxins from entering the water and harming orca and salmon.
Calling all lovers of the Puget Sound!

We are hosting a Puget Sound Nutrient Dialog - an all day meeting to discuss and learn. 

Latest health report on Washington beaches
See the good, the best, and the poopiest marine swimming beaches in our BEACH Program Annual Report.
Pursuing clean water for the Spokane River

We are opening rulemaking to help address PCBs. 

Citizen science at Washington beaches

"Involving citizen science volunteers is vital to our monitoring program. Especially in smaller communities," said Julianne Ruffner, manager of Ecology's BEACH program.

We oppose federal proposal to redefine 'waters of the United States'

Today, we sent our official response opposing a draft rule to redefine the scope of waters of the United States. The Clean Water Act is instrumental in protecting Washington's water.