Marine Water Quality
This indicator measures water quality based on seawater density stratification from 1998-2004 in Puget Sound and 1999-2004 in the Georgia Basin. Seawater density stratification is an indicator of: (1) the degree of mixing within the water column; (2) its resilience to mixing; and (3) the likelihood that aspects of poor water quality will develop due to human-induced pressures.

What can I do?

Community Members: Taking Care of Your Land (Citizens and Businesses)

There are many things a commercial or residential property owner can do to protect marine water quality.

The following links may provide helpful information and, with the exception of the US EPA, are located outside the EPA.gov domain.

Use Natural Landscaping and Low Impact Development

Work with landscape suppliers that use organic landscaping techniques and compost supplements. Create beautiful and functional landscapes that help slow polluted runoff and attract wildlife. Use native plants that save water and attract wildlife; practice natural lawn care to create salmon friendly habitat and look into moving into a low impact development neighborhood. See Seattle Public Utilities Natural Lawn Care, Puget Sound Action Team Low Impact Development; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Landscaping for Wildlife.

• Order the Puget Sound Shoreline Stewardship Guidebook or download at Puget Sound Action Team's Marine and Freshwater Habitat
• See the Puget Sound Shared Strategy Primer on Habitat Project Costs (PDF, 51pp., 989KB)
• Check out the fabulous information on natural lawn care at King County Yard and Garden Topics or sign up for classes in natural lawn care by calling (206) 296-8360
• Learn about creating healthy shorelines at People for Puget Sound: Habitat Restoration
• Check out DfO's Shorekeepers Program: (250) 756-7265 for South Coast
• Visit Living By Water or call (250) 832-7405 or (604) 737-3057. Read On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living

Get Septic Savvy

Maintain your septic system well. Host a septic social through Washington State University's extension services.

• Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Marine Advisory Services. (360) 427-9670 x496
• Washington State Department of Ecology, Shorelands Program. (360) 407-6000
• Washington On-Site Sewage Association

Deal with Pet Waste

Always carry a plastic bag to pick up after your pet. Pay attention to the "no dog" signs at beaches.

• Get involved with a Scoopy Doo Pet Waste Campaign: Pacific Shellfish Institute. Email psi@pacshell.org

Adopt Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Programs

Reduce toxic and polluted runoff and become more efficient by developing an environmentally preferable purchasing program.

• Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) Green Procurement or call (206) 352-2050.

Reduce and Control Polluted Stormwater Runoff

Impervious surfaces and engineered stormwater provides a quick gateway from pollution to the marine environment. Take charge of runoff!

• Environmental Coalition of South Seattle: (206) 767-0432
• The Resource Venture: (see publications for stormwater) or (206) 389-7304

Support Adoption of the Precautionary Principle in Public Policy and in Your Own Practice

See "A Policy Framework for Adopting the Precautionary Principle," January 2004 (PDF, 36pp., 87KB). For more information, contact Robin Evan-Agnew robin@alaw.org at (206) 441-5100. Encourage the trade associations to which you belong to adopt these principles and avoid reactive approaches to environmental and human health issues.

Join the Progressive Business Community

• Global Environmental Management Initiative
• Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies
• Alliance for Environmental Innovation
• Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability.

Garner CEO Support

Have your CEO issue a clear and proactive statement about the company's commitment to lowering product toxicity through elimination of known or suspected toxicants and substitution of safer chemicals^10.

Explore the Benefits of Socially Responsible Investing

Recognize the real returns and liability implications of changing your approach to human health and environmental issues. Become the company people want to invest in. See the Green Money Journal.

Work Cooperatively to Find Safer Substitutes

Work with EPA's Design for the Environment Program to research alternatives to bioavailable, toxic and heavily regulated substances.

: Go Back to the Ecosystem Indicators Home Page :