Water Quality

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Water quality describes the physical conditions of the waters of the United States. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform levels, nutrients, and toxins are all part of water quality. Water quantity and water rights affects water quality, most where low levels of summer base flow result in increased temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels.

Maintaining water quality levels is required by state and federal law, and is necessary to meet tribal treaty rights. The many behaviors that affect the quality of our waters is maintained through a confusing mosaic of law, regulation, policy, and government and non-government activities. This is best described by WDOE 2015 which presents an EPA approved plan under which the State of Washington proposes to comply with the Clean Water Act.

the level of oxygen gas present in water, indicating its ability to support aquatic life.

bacteria associated with feces that indicate the likelihood that drinking water will cause a bacterial infection.