Clark County Public Works staff collected data from 2010 to 2020 on 10 water quality parameters as well as stream insects that indicate biological stream health
VANCOUVER – Clark County residents can learn about the health of their local streams in the most recent stream health report released by Clark County Public Works. For the first time, the report is completely digital and includes interactive maps along with explanations of key water quality parameters and indices.
Clark County Public Works staff collected data from 2010 to 2020 on 10 water quality parameters as well as stream insects that indicate biological stream health. After analyzing the results, staff created maps that compare stream health ratings to the 2010 report, identify trends, and give a snapshot of which streams are meeting state standards for key water quality parameters. The report also includes a query table for users who want to dig further into the data.
“We hope that sharing this information with the community will help connect people to the issues and opportunities to support their local streams,” says Public Works Clean Water Division Manager Justin Maynard. “People can see the same data we use to guide our priorities and focus our resources.”
The results of the report are mixed. Smaller, urban streams often rate as poor, while larger and more rural streams are typically in the fair to good range. Comparisons between the last report show most streams are in similar conditions.
“The fact that many streams facing increased development and population pressure are in a similar status is actually a good sign,” says Public Works Stormwater Infrastructure Manager Jeff Schnabel.
The map covers primarily unincorporated Clark County. Residents can view the map at https://clark.wa.gov/ stormwater.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
