Reducing Nonpoint Source Pollution and Protecting Water Quality

Water is the most precious resource on our planet. The extraordinarily rich quality of life in Washington is jeopardized by threats to water quality. Failing on-site sewage systems, livestock in or near streams, contaminated stormwater runoff, erosion from poor land use practices and improper applications of pesticides and fertilizers send pathogens, heavy metals and other harmful substances into our waterways.

Changing behavior through education and community involvement is vital to preserving the state's water quality. Washington Sea Grant water quality specialists provide watershed-wide education programs, technical assistance and information to local governments, tribes, industry, schools and other water resource users.

Shellfish in Your Front Yard

Learn about the biology of bivalve shellfish, which shellfish grow best on their beach type, and various methods for enhancing tidelands with clams, oysters and mussels. This July 21, 2012 workshop will also focus on ways to protect water quality so that harvested shellfish will be safe to eat.

Bivalves for Clean Water

Shoreline residents can do many things to help their beaches stay clean and healthy. Learn more from the following publication:

State of the Oyster Study

Participate in a study of bacterial contamination in recreational shellfish on privately owned beaches in Hood Canal and Puget Sound.  Washington Sea Grant arranges for laboratory testing of samples provided by volunteers, which are analyzed for the presence of harmful bacteria–fecal contamination and Vibrio bacteria.

For more information about the State of the Oyster, see the following Web page:

Well Education and Testing

Keep your well well and your drinking water safe. See the following form for information about getting your well water tested.

Clean and Simple

Contaminants in Puget Sound are a growing concern.  Heavy metals like mercury, copper and lead are known to have neurological, developmental and reproductive effects on wildlife and humans.  Cleaning products may not be responsible for the majority of contaminants in Puget Sound but they do contribute to pollution problems.  Find more information about less-toxic cleaning products through the Clean and Simple program.

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