Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Lower Snohomish River Tributaries effectiveness monitoring

We're studying bacteria pollution in tributaries to the Lower Snohomish River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/water-quality-improvement-effectiveness-monitoring/lower-snohomish-river-tributaries

River and stream monitoring

Our freshwater data helps us to assure clean and abundant water to support human and aquatic life.

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

Columbia River water use compliance

Our watermaster investigates possible unauthorized use.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/compliance-enforcement/water-use-compliance/columbia-river-water-use-compliance

Curtailing water use

As we do most years, we are curtailing water use around the state because of declining stream flows.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/compliance-enforcement/water-use-compliance/curtailing-water-use

Water quality monitoring methods for rivers & streams

Learn how we measure water quality in rivers and streams, including methods and parameters.

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

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Administering pooled resources

Credible and transparent administration of Stormwater Action Monitoring program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/administration

Environmental impact statement process

Overview about Environmental Impact Statements process under SEPA.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/guide-for-lead-agencies/environmental-impact-statements

Municipal water law

We help regulate municipal water suppliers to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/municipal-water-law

Mineral prospecting and placer mining

Information from Ecology and WDFW about mineral prospecting and placer mining, and ESHB 1261.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/mineral-prospecting-and-placer-mining

Plan to control nonpoint sources of pollution

The Nonpoint Plan outlines our approach for addressing water quality impacts from nonpoint pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/plans-policies/plan-to-control-nonpoint-sources-of-pollution

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

Cannabis licensing and the environment

Environmental permits may be required for cannabis growers and processors.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/guidance-for-cannabis-businesses

SEPA checklist guidance, Section B: Land & shoreline use

Guidance for Land & shoreline use in Part B of SEPA environmental checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-8-land-shoreline-use

SEPA checklist guidance, Section B: Surface water

Guidance to complete Surface water section for Part B of SEPA environmental checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-3-water/environmental-elements-surface-water

Puget Sound nearshore

SAM monitors and assesses impacts of stormwater runoff in Puget Sound nearshore environments.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-status-and-trends/puget-sound-nearshore

Dam construction & modification guidance

We provide guidance and technical notes for dam construction and modification.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dam-construction-modification-guidance

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Effectiveness studies

Learning what works best to reduce urban runoff volumes and pollution in Western Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies

SEPA Guidance on Categorical Exemptions

Guidance on SEPA exemptions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/guide-for-lead-agencies/exemptions

Watershed plan archive

We are providing an archive of documents related to the Watershed Planning Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/improving-streamflows/watershed-plan-archive

Watershed planning

We support watershed planning to improve streamflows under the Streamflow Restoration Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/improving-streamflows/watershed-planning

Applying watershed characterization to planning

Use watershed characterization information to identify areas for wetland restoration and mitigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/watershed-characterization-project/watershed-characterization

Find your watershed (WRIA)

Use an address to find a watershed's water resources inventory area description.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/in-your-watershed/watershed-look-up

What is a watershed and why does it matter?

At Ecology, a watershed is a geographic region by which we manage water availability and water quality issues.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/what-is-a-watershed-and-why-does-it-matter

Puget Sound Watershed Characterization Project

A regional planning tool that identifies areas of the Puget Sound to protect, restore, or develop.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/watershed-characterization-project

Improving streamflows

We help protect rivers and streams while providing water for rural areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/improving-streamflows

Green-Duwamish watershed pollutant loading assessment

We work with stakeholders to assess water pollution in the Green-Duwamish watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/green-duwamish-watershed-pla

Stewardship at Padilla Bay

Taking care of Padilla Bay: Tracking change, restoring habitat, and modeling responsible practices.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/padilla-bay-reserve/stewardship

Ecology begins planning for future water use in Nooksack watershed

February 5, 2019 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking process for future water use in Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/planning-future-nooksack-water-use

Public input sought on environmental review for new Duwamish–Green river watershed plan

March 8, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat and ensuring sufficient water for rural residents. We're seeking public comments through April 8.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-8-duwamish-green-watershed-sepa-comment-period

Little Spokane River

We're working in partnership to improve water quality in the Little Spokane River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/little-spokane-river-do-and-ph-tmdl

Ecology adopts new watershed plan for Duwamish-Green river basin

May 13, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-13-duwamish-green-watershed-plan-approved

Soos Creek watershed fine sediment TMDL

We are working with partners in the Soos Creek basin to address fine sediment impairments.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/soos-creek-watershed-fine-sediment-tmdl

Spokane River multi-parameter TMDL

We work with partners to increase oxygen and reduce metals and PCBs in the Spokane River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/spokane-river

State adopts new watershed plans for Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover basin

June 17, 2021 News release: New plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover watersheds lay out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-17-puyallup-chambers-clover

Palouse River

We are working with many partners to improve water quality in the Palouse River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/palouse

Public input sought on environmental reviews for two new watershed plans in Pierce and King counties

April 29, 2021 News release: Ecology completed its environmental review of new watershed plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover river drainage basins, and is seeking public comments through May 23.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/seeking-comment-on-environmental-reviews-for-water

Ecology adopts three updated watershed plans

January 28, 2021 News release: Updated plans for the Chehalis, Okanogan and Little Spokane watersheds will help to protect water levels and habitat around those rivers, while also ensuring water remains available for rural development.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-28-ecology-adopts-3-streamflow-restoration-pla

First comment period opens on future water use in Nooksack watershed

April 8, 2019 News release: First comment period opens on future water use in WRIA 1 Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/first-comment-period-opens-on-future-water-use-in

State adopts updated Colville River watershed plan

June 30, 2020 News release: A locally-developed watershed plan will protect rivers and streams in the Colville River watershed while securing water for future rural growth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-30-wria-59-colville-streamflow-plan

Spokane County farmer fined for unpermitted water use

August 28, 2024 News release: We have issued a $15,000 penalty to a Spokane County farmer for continued unpermitted irrigation of 69 acres of crops.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-28-greiff-penalty

Nisqually watershed plan earns state’s first approval under new water law

February 1, 2019 News release: A locally-developed plan to protect natural resources in the Nisqually River watershed is the first to gain approval under Washington’s streamflow restoration law, adopted last year in response to the State Supreme Court’s “Hirst” decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-1-nisqually-watershed-plan

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

In your watershed

We are providing water availability information for your watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/in-your-watershed

Puget Sound

We work with a wide range of partners using the best available science and research to better understand and counter challenges facing Puget Sound.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound

Public invited to June 3rd meeting about East Fork Lewis River water quality

May 27, 2019 News release: Ecology is inviting the public to participate in a town hall meeting about East Fork Lewis River water quality. The event will take place June 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the La Center Grange.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-28-east-fork-lewis-river-public-meeting

Soos Creek watershed multi-parameter TMDL

We are working with partners in the Soos Creek watershed to improve water quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/soos-creek-multi-parameter-tmdl

Hangman Creek multi-parameter TMDL

We're working to improve water quality in Hangman Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-improvement/total-maximum-daily-load-process/directory-of-improvement-projects/hangman-creek

Skagit Valley Farm receives $267,000 penalty for irrigating 348 acres without a water right

April 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $267,000 penalty to Skagit Valley Farm for irrigating 348 acres of vegetable crops in the lower Skagit and Samish watersheds without water rights.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/april-5-skagit-valley-farm-receives-267-000-penalt

Skagit, Snohomish landowners now have legal water source

March 19, 2020 News release: As part of the Washington Department of Ecology’s commitment to find water solutions for Skagit Basin landowners, water is now available for some landowners in Skagit and Snohomish counties affected by a 2013 state Supreme Court ruling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/mar-19-skagit-snohomish-landowners-have-legal-wat

Restoration plan adopted for Icicle watershed

January 3, 2019 News release: Our Office of Columbia River and Chelan County adopt final programmatic EIS for Icicle Creek Watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-3