Surface Water Quality Monitoring

The Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program protects public health and the environment through baseline monitoring and source identification work.  According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, water quality data are used to characterize waters, identify water quality trends over time, identify emerging problems, determine the effectiveness of pollution control programs and help direct pollution control efforts to where they are most needed.

The Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program samples conditions in fresh water flowing over land and eventually into marine water.  Waters that are outside the County’s jurisdiction (e.g., within municipal or military areas) are excluded.  These areas include NAS Whidbey properties, the City of Oak Harbor, the Town of Coupeville, and the City of Langley.

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