Improve the quality of Washington's natural resources
Indicator 1: Reducing Impacts on the Environment.
Measure b: Percentage of rivers and streams that meet water quality standards
Description:
Since 1995, water quality data has been systematically collected at 62 long-term stations, which generally correspond to the 39 watershed planning areas (Water Resource Inventory Areas) in the state. Water quality is measured by the Water Quality Index (WQI). This is a number the aggregates water quality data at a monotoring stateoin for temperature, pH, fecal coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and sediments over a 12 month period. The graph depicts the share of monitoring stations by year in which WQI standards were Good, Fair, or Poor. In 2007, 95% of the monitoring stations reported either Good or Fair water quality.
| Share of Monitoring Stations in Washington Watersheds Reporting Good, Fair, or Poor Water Quality: 1995 - 2007 | |||
| Good | Fair | Poor | |
| 1995 | 34% |
56% |
10% |
| 1996 | 27% |
61% |
11% |
| 1997 | 23% |
66% |
11% |
| 1998 | 32% |
60% |
8% |
| 1999 | 31% |
61% |
8% |
| 2000 | 52% |
44% |
5% |
| 2001 | 35% |
56% |
8% |
| 2002 | 40% |
52% |
8% |
| 2003 | 37% |
56% |
6% |
| 2004 | 32% |
63% |
5% |
| 2005 | 44% |
55% |
2% |
| 2006 | 47% |
50% |
3% |
| 2007 | 29% |
66% |
5% |