KING COUNTY, Wash. — King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks reports new studies show health in a quarter of local streams is getting better, with room for continued improvements.
"We can make a difference in our stream health and we have made a difference over the last 20 years," Water Quality Planner II Beth Sosik said. "Now that we know the things we're doing are making a difference, we should lean into and do more. We shouldn't just settle for the status quo. This is not a time to sit back and say, well, we've done our job, because we still have a long way to go."
Environmental scientists monitored 120 streams for 20 years, collecting and organizing aquatic insects to assess the impacts of development and of restoration projects. According to the county, even streams heavily impacted by development can improve over time "by more than what scientists expected was possible." Studies showed water is getting cleaner and the ecosystem is faring better in many streams -- an impact that trickles up to salmon and ultimately other species like Southern Resident orcas, according to the county.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said trends revealed by the studies show advancements for half of the strategic goals laid out in an initiative to improve conditions for people, salmon and orcas.
Development did have an impact on many streams. But the county said it was less negatively impactful in areas of newer development than those with historic development, showing new regulations may have played a positive role in stream protection.
"Streams are the healthiest where there's the most amount of forests and the least healthy in places that are highly urban and developed," Sosik said. "This study isn't changing that- we're still seeing this diagonal line with stream health. But we are seeing that diagonal line shift up, up up- the rising tide is lifting all boats."
Sosik said there are things residents can do to prevent harmful run-off, including washing water at the car wash where there's a catch basin, or installing a rain garden in their yard.
To hear more ideas and to read more about the studies conducted click here.
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