Research & Data

Use this portal to filter and search for all of our scientific information.

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.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/wastewater-testing

Modeling the environment

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment

Habitat monitoring

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring

Marine water & sediment monitoring

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring

Freshwater fish contaminant monitoring

We analyze freshwater fish for various toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/toxics-monitoring/freshwater-fish-contaminant-monitoring

Models and tools for water quality improvement

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment/models-tools-for-tmdls

Models & spreadsheets

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets

Eyes Over Puget Sound

We provide documentation of Puget Sound waterways using community submissions and aerial photography.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/eyes-over-puget-sound

Stream biological monitoring

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/stream-biological-monitoring

River & stream water quality index

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/water-quality-monitoring/river-stream-water-quality-index

Forest practices effectiveness monitoring

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/forest-practices-effectiveness-monitoring

GIS Data

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

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/geographic-information-systems-gis/data

EIM — environmental monitoring data

EIM contains environmental monitoring data collected by our scientists and partners.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/environmental-information-management-database

Long-term marine water & sediment data

We gather high quality data to help accurately reflect changes in marine environments over time.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/water-column-data

Monitoring Puget Sound from ferries

We installed sensors on passenger ferries as a cost-effective way of collecting water quality data.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/monitoring-puget-sound-from-ferries

Jellyfish in Puget Sound

Jellyfish numbers may be increasing in Puget Sound. You can help us monitor them.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/jellyfish

Marine algae & plankton

Marine algae blooms are overgrowths of plankton. They can look like a spill in the water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/marine-algae-plankton

Salish Sea Model

We use a computer tool that simulates hydrodynamic and water quality processes in the Salish Sea.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment/salish-sea-modeling

BEACH annual report

See our annual county-by-county report on bacterial levels at saltwater swimming beaches for 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/beach-annual-report

Lake water quality monitoring & protection

Working with partners, we compile data on algae, invasive plants, and some toxic chemicals in lakes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/lake-water-quality