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Surfrider Foundation in Washington State |
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Dedicated to the Protection and Enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches |
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NW Straits Chapter Members with their new lab equipment |
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The Surfrider Foundation’s Water Quality Initiative |
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Clean water is a core Surfrider Foundation value, and our regional chapters have repeatedly identified working towards clean water in our region as a key goal. A Water Quality Initiative in Washington State was launched in order to achieve nothing less than quality water in our communities—water that supports marine life AND is safe for recreation. In our region, threats to water quality include: 1) Spills (oil, sewage, toxic materials) 2) Stormwater (poor management of wastes that are washed off of the land during rain events) 3) 1000 cuts. Small leaks. In rural areas, it can be due to failed septic systems. In developed areas it can be due to sewage pipe leaks and combined sewer overflows 4) Industrial sources. Identifying water quality problem areas, working to address long-term threats to water quality, monitoring water quality in local communities—all of these are our work. We have and will continue to: 1) work to improve oil spill response and prevention in Washington 2) Monitor water quality and outreach our data in order to educate the public and beach users 3) Support Washington’s BEACH program and work to improve the program and its outreach potential 4) Address pollution sources in our communities through education, monitoring and advocacy 5) Develop education programs emphasizing the importance of clean water Our goals for monitoring in Washington include: 1) Uniform statewide ocean water quality standards. 2) A uniform monitoring program that measures for toxins, heavy metals, viruses, and other harmful pollutants. 4) Regular reporting on water quality history, including analysis of patterns and trends. 5) Public education about actions that affect water quality.
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Check the most recent water quality reports from your area: |
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To Lean More: Materials from our March 06 Water Quality Training Surfrider’s National Blue Water Campaign |