Puyallup River basin TMDLs
The Puyallup River drainage basin covers approximately 970 square miles in the Puget Sound lowlands. We are working in this basin to address several water quality impairments. The major streams of the basin are the Puyallup River and its two largest tributaries, the White and Carbon rivers. The lower reach of the Puyallup River is a relatively flat floodplain ranging in elevation from sea level at Commencement Bay to approximately 50 feet at the confluence of the White and Puyallup rivers.
Water bodies in the Puyallup River basin have been listed for several parameters because they did not meet state water quality standards. Parameters of concern include: biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia, phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, pH, sediment, and temperature.
We're working to improve water quality
Several water quality improvement projects, or total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), have been completed that cover a variety of parameters including fecal coliform bacteria, BOD, ammonia, pH, phosphorus and temperature. See the completed projects section below.
While the reports are completed, we continue to work with partners in the Puyallup River watershed to implement actions in the TMDLs. Implementation work includes increased education and outreach, a greater field presence to identify and eliminate nonpoint sources of pollution, and working with permit managers and permittees to ensure TMDL point-source requirements are met. To see ongoing work in the watershed, please visit our Puyallup River Watershed Improvement Project workgroup page.
Water quality issues
We found that excessive nutrients (phosphorus) cause high pH in the river. Several years of monitoring in the White River show pH regularly exceeds the healthy range for fish and aquatic species. These additional nutrients increase underwater plant growth which changes the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles increasing pH. This is more frequent during the summer months when there is more light, warmer temperatures, and less water in the river.
Completed projects
Why this matters
Ammonia is a measure of nitrogen, a nutrient that can increase the growth of plants and algae in water. Large concentrations of ammonia in a stream or lake can create a large oxygen demand caused by the conversion of ammonia to nitrate, called "nitrification." High concentrations of nitrate in wastewater treatment plant effluent can cause algae to grow. Dead and decaying algae can cause oxygen depletion which can kill fish and other aquatic organisms in streams. Higher-than-normal levels of nutrients in the water can also change the water’s pH and clarity. In addition, increased algae and plants can be ugly, create odor problems when they decompose, and interfere with recreational activities like boating and swimming.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms (organisms that need oxygen to survive) to break down organic matter in water.
Fecal coliform is a type of bacteria found in the feces of warm-blooded animals and humans. When found in water bodies it can be an indicator of the presence of other disease-carrying organisms. It can get into water bodies from failing septic systems and animal waste. High levels of fecal coliform in the water can affect the economy, public health, and environmental quality.
pH measures how acidic or basic something is, ranging from 1 to 14. Low pH is acidic, high is basic. Fish and other aquatic species thrive in water with pH values between 6.5 - 8.5 (7 is considered neutral). If the pH is too high, it is considered harmful for fish and other aquatic species.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. However, too much phosphorus in surface water can trigger excessive plant and algae growth. This can lead to a variety of water quality problems, including high pH and low dissolved oxygen, which can cause fish kills and harm other aquatic life.
Too much sediment in the water can irritate fish gills and make it difficult for them to breathe. It also suffocates salmon egg nests.
Water temperature is important to fish and aquatic species. Threatened and endangered salmon need cold, clean water to survive. If the water is too warm, the salmon are less able to successfully spawn, and may suffer other health effects.
Contact information
Donovan Gray
Water Quality Specialist
donovan.gray@ecy.wa.gov
360-790-3840