Local government is in a better position to prevent this kind of problem. The report analyzed existing data on water supply, water quality, fisheries and water use. The problem is from septic systems, runoff and boat sewage disposal. Fall chinook salmon, kokanee and rainbow trout are found in the watershed, but a low food supply limits fish production in the area. A recent study rated the chinook population as healthy .
Water levels vary dramatically with the seasons.
Rivers fed by runoff from high elevations crest between April and July, and then decline rapidly. Irrigation accounts for about 59 percent of the water already approved for use in the watershed. Fish propagation is the second largest water user, accounting for 25 percent of approved uses. Municipal, domestic, commercial and industrial uses together account of about 16 percent of approved uses. Ecology mailed a copy of the draft report to people who ve applied for new water rights.