The reports are significant because they give citizens a comprehensive picture of Washington's waters and set forth steps to improve and protect our state's lakes, rivers and marine waters.
Water is one of our state's greatest natural assets.
There is a growing demand for water and this demand is putting both the quality of water and the availability of that water at a serious premium. It is up to each of us to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of water in our state. The reports describe the following primary water quality problems. Elevated water temperature comes from a variety of practices such as logging that removed shading along the banks of rivers and streams. Failing septic systems and agricultural activities are the primary sources of fecal coliform bacteria.