Water Quality and Hydrology

Water resources are naturally-occurring water features including groundwater, and surface waters such as streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and the Puget Sound. Water resources are integral to the region’s ecosystems, and supply water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural and other commercial uses. Water resources provide many recreational opportunities, and are key elements of this region’s setting and overall quality of life.

This section discusses the methodology used to describe water resources and hydrology, and evaluates impacts to water resources, as well as the regulations to protect these resources. The discussion covers five primary topics – (1) impervious surfaces, (2) impaired waters, (3) sole source aquifers, (4) large contiguous floodplains, and (5) wetlands, lakes, and streams.