Research & Data

Ecology provides the high-quality science that is the foundation of Washington state environmental policy. Our monitoring, assessment, and modeling services provide a data-rich understanding of our state’s land, air, and water. We provide access to that data through reports, databases, maps and user-friendly online tools.

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Wastewater testing

Whole effluent toxicity testing ensures wastewater does not harm aquatic life.

Habitat monitoring

We collect data on the health of environmental systems that support plant and animal life.

Modeling the environment

Computer models mathematically represent part of the environment to predict potential changes.

Freshwater fish contaminant monitoring

We analyze freshwater fish for various toxic chemicals.

Models and tools for water quality improvement

We use models to predict water quality changes to help find strategies to address pollution.

Marine water & sediment monitoring

We conduct water and sediment long-term monitoring to identify ecosystem change.

Models & spreadsheets

Computer models predict changes and spreadsheets calculate. We offer these tools to the public.

Eyes over Puget Sound

We use aerial photos and data from our monitoring stations and ferries to report on Puget Sound.

Monitoring watersheds for salmonids

Does salmon habitat restoration work? Our Intensively Monitored Watersheds program aims to find out.

River & stream water quality index

The Freshwater Quality Index can help you learn about river and stream health.

Stream biological monitoring

We evaluate the health of rivers and streams by studying multiple aquatic communities.

Forest practices effectiveness monitoring

We evaluate whether forest practices rules protect fish, wildlife, and water quality.

GIS Data

Ecology's authoritative GIS data layers are available for download.

Environmental Information Management System (EIM) - search data

Access to discrete and time-series environmental data for air, water, soil, sediment, aquatic animals, and plants.

Environmental Assessment Program

Learn about Ecology's scientific research and services.

Public input and events listing

Information on Ecology's public hearings, meetings, workshops, open houses, and open comment periods.

Facility/Site database

Look up information on facilities and sites of interest to the Department of Ecology.

Scientific services

We offer scientific services to support environmental work and inquiry for projects funded through public dollars. We provide accurate, credible, and defensible analyses using the latest accredited methods.

Rulemaking at Ecology

Ecology has delegated federal and state authority to implement and enforce various environmental laws and rules. We accomplish this through our open and public rulemaking process.

Online tools & databases

This is the gateway to Ecology's many web-accessible databases and tools.