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.

More information

Contacts

Jeff Adams, Marine Water Quality Specialist, 360.337.4619, jaws@u.washington.edu
Teri L. King, Marine Water Quality Specialist, 360.432.3054, guatemal@u.washington.edu

Related Publications

Blue Thumb Gardening: Ten Tips for Protecting Water Quality while Helping Your Garden Grow (836 KB PDF*)
Low Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Hood Canal (180 KB PDF*)
Septic Sense. Two versions are available: (1) downloadable PDF, unabridged; (2) Web site
Landscaping Your Septic System (84 KB PDF*)
Pumping Your Septic Tank (76 KB PDF*)
Homeowners Manuals (PDFs*)
- Gravity System (712 KB)
- Sand Filter (732 KB)
- Pressure Distribution System (696 KB)
- Proprietary Device System (560 KB)
- Mound System (788 KB)

*Software capable of displaying a PDF is required for viewing or printing this document. You may download a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe Web site.