Lake water quality monitoring & protection
Our scientists coordinate algae and invasive-plant monitoring in Washington lakes and monitor some lakes each year for toxic metals and other chemicals. However, most lake water quality monitoring is currently conducted by counties, local health departments, lake associations, and volunteer groups. We maintain some lake data.
Recent and historical data are available
We participate in the Environmental Protection Agency's Lakes Assessment every five years. Data are collected on a random sampling of lakes representing different regions of the state. We partnered with the EPA on this project in 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2022.
We coordinated a large lake-monitoring program from 1989 – 1999 to identify statewide water quality concerns. We tested for dissolved oxygen, water clarity, temperature, and contaminants. While this program is no longer funded, we maintain these data.
Lakes Environmental database
We store and share lake data from across the state. These data include results from historical monitoring and recent studies by our scientists and from local-government projects we fund. The information includes plants, water quality parameters, as well as some photographs and lake-bottom maps (bathymetry).
Resources and links
Related links
Contact information
William Hobbs
Limnologist
william.hobbs@ecy.wa.gov
360-995-3369
Wes Glisson
Aquatic Invasive Plant Specialist
wes.glisson@ecy.wa.gov
360-688-8811