The Skagit Stream Team Program was established in 1998 to inspire community stewardship of water resources through education and volunteer science. Data from this program are for informational and educational purposes only.

Explore Data

What are the water quality conditions in our priority watersheds, and how are they changing?

Ace of Hearts

Ace of Hearts & Happy Valley Creeks (AH)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
AH1A Pass Both Pass Both Pass Both Not increasing
AH2 Pass Both Pass Both Pass Both Not increasing
AH3 Pass One Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
AH4 Pass Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

AH1A
AH1
AH2
AH3
AH4

Bayview

Bayview Drainage (BV)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
BV1 Pass Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing
BV2 Pass Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing
BV3 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
BV4 Pass Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

BV1
BV2
BV3
BV4

Gages

Gages Slough (GS)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
GS1 Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing
GS2 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
GS3A Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
GS4A Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

GS1
GS2
GS3
GS3A
GS4A

Joe Leary

Joe Leary Slough (JL)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
JL1 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Not increasing
JL2 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Increasing
JL3 Pass One Pass Both Fail Both Increasing
JL4 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

JL1
JL2
JL3
JL4

Kulshan

Kulshan Creek (KC)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
KC1 Fail Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing
KC2 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Increasing
KC3 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
KC5 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

KC1
KC2
KC3
KC4
KC4A
KC5

No Name

No Name Slough (NN)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
NN1 Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing
NN2A Pass One Pass One Pass One Increasing
NN3 Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing
NN4 Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

NN1
NN2
NN2A
NN3
NN4

Nookachamps

Nookachamps: Upper (UN) & Lower (LN)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
LN1 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Not increasing
LN2 Pass One Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
LN3 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
LN4 Pass One Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
UN1 Pass Both Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
UN2 Pass Both Pass Both Pass Both Not increasing
UN3 Pass Both Pass Both Pass One Not increasing
UN4 Pass One Pass One Pass Both Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

LN1
LN2
LN3
LN4
UN1
UN2
UN3
UN4

Samish

Samish: Upper (US) & Lower (LS)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
LS1 Pass One Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
LS2 Pass Both Fail Both Pass One Not increasing
LS3 Pass Both Fail Both Pass Both Not increasing
LS4 Pass Both Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
US1 Pass Both Pass One Pass Both Not increasing
US2 Pass Both Pass One Pass One Not increasing
US3 Fail Both Fail Both Fail Both Increasing
US4 Pass Both Fail Both Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

LS1
LS2
LS3
LS4
US1
US2
US3
US4

Trumpeter

Trumpeter Creek (TC)

Fecal Coliform Summary

To meet prior WA state standards for fecal coliform, fresh waters must pass two criteria:

  1. The geometric mean of fecal coliform levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
  2. Not more than 10% of samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.

3-Year Summary:

Site Code 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 3-Year Trend*
TC1 Fail Both Pass One Fail Both Increasing
TC2 Pass One Fail Both Fail Both Increasing
TC3A Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing
TC4 Pass One Pass One Pass One Not increasing
TC5 Pass One Fail Both Pass One Not increasing

* 3-year trend is based on a LOESS analysis of annual geometric means.

Monitoring Data by Site

Select a site below to view graphs of monitoring data over time. Pink dashed lines are the state standard. For more information on WA state standards: See WAC-173-201A-200.

Select a site:

TC1
TC2
TC3
TC3A
TC4
TC5

Methods

The Skagit Stream Team Program

The Skagit Stream Team Program is run by the Skagit Conservation District in partnership with Skagit County, the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, City of Mount Vernon, City of Burlington, and City of Anacortes. Funding was provided by the Washington State Conservation Commission, the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Centennial Clean Water Fund Program, and partnering jurisdictions. Over 60 local community members volunteer ~1,300 hours each year during the sampling seasons - THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Monitoring Methods

Sampling locations: Sampling sites were selected in freshwater streams in priority watersheds of Skagit County. Washington State and Skagit County Department of Health have documented high fecal coliform concentrations in these watersheds, which have failed to meet Surface Water Quality Standards for the State of Washington (WAC 173-201A). This motivated the initiation of ambient water quality monitoring for non-point source pollution parameters. In each watershed, sub-basins were selected. Four to five sampling sites were established in each sub-basin, distributed along the stream reaches and in consideration for accessibility and safety of volunteers. Sampling sites are located in the following sub-basins (abbreviated by a 2-letter code):

Watershed Sub-basin Abbreviation
Ace of Hearts & Happy Valley Stream AH
Bayview Drainage BV
Gages Slough GS
Joe Leary Slough JL
Kulshan Creek KC
No Name Slough NN
Nookachamps: Upper & Lower UN & LN
Samish: Upper & Lower US & LS
Trumpeter Creek Basin TC

Monitoring & Measurements: Monitoring is conducted at each site approximately every two weeks from October through June to capture the months of the year when precipitation is typical. At each site, field measurements and water samples are taken just below the surface, in the deepest part of the stream that can be reached. Water quality measurements (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity) are measured using a handheld YSI meter. Water samples are collected into sterilized botles to be analyzed for fecal coliform and turbidity in the lab. Water samples are tested for fecal coliform at either the Padilla Bay volunteer lab (Padilla, Samish, Nookachamps samples), Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant (Gages Slough), Mount Vernon Wastewater Treatment Plant (Trumpeter Creek, Kulshan Creek), or the Anacortes Waste Water Treatment Plant (Ace of Hearts and Happy Valley Creeks). Turbidity was measured either in the Padilla Bay volunteer lab or in the field. Volunteers also recorded water appearance and color.

Monitoring plans, protocols, data, and other documentation are available upon request.

How do the water quality conditions compare to Washington State Standards?

Fecal coliform bacteria live in the digestive system of warm-blooded animals, including birds, livestock, and humans. They are not directly harmful to humans or aquatic life, but their presence indicates the possible presence of disease-causing microbes. To meet prior WA state standards (WAC 173-201A-200) for fecal coliform, fresh waters must meet two criteria:
* Criteria 1: The geometric mean of fecal coliform bacteria levels must not exceed 100 CFU/100mL.
* Criteria 2: No more than 10% of all samples may exceed 200 CFU/100mL.
Note: The use of fecal coliform organism levels as a state standard expired on December 31, 2020. Currently, state standards are based on E. coli organism levels. Monitoring of fecal coliform by this program is conducted for continuity with >20 years of data and as information to support further investigation by other organizations.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements determine how much oxygen is available in the water for aquatic life. The state water quality standards for dissolved oxygen are based on aquatic life uses. The Stream Team DO data cannot be used to determine whether a water body meets the standard due to sampling frequency. It also is worth noting that Stream Team monitoring does not occur during the warmer summer months when DO would likely drop with warmer air and water temperatures.

Temperature is a water quality concern in part because warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cool water. Many northwest fish species require cool temperatures and high oxygen levels at various stages in their life cycle. Warm water temperatures can cause stress to animals that lowers resistance to disease and infections. Many factors affect water temperature. These include large fluctuations in air temperature, changes in the shape of stream channel and lake margins, reductions in overhanging vegetation, turbidity, and reductions in water flow. State standards for temperature are based on the 7-day average of the daily maximum temperatures (7-DADMax). Stream Team sites are not monitored during the critical summer warm periods, and none are monitored daily to obtain a 7-DADMax.

Turbidity is a measurement of water clarity. Turbidity data in this report are not referenced to a state standard because that standard is relative to naturally occurring background levels and varies for each stream. For streams with background levels less than 50 NTU (all Stream Team sites), turbidity should not exceed 5 NTU above the background level. Short-term occurrences of high turbidity are not as harmful to aquatic animals as extended periods of moderately elevated turbidity.

Although Stream Team monitoring data cannot be used to determine whether a water body meets standards for dissolved oxygen, water temperature, or turbidity, the state standard threshold values provide a frame of reference for comparison.

Volunteers

Thank you, Volunteers!

Each year, 60-70 local community members volunteer ~1,300 hours to make the Stream Team program possible. Volunteers conduct field sampling, process lab samples, enter data, and so much more! Big thanks to:

2024-2025 2023-2024 2022-2023
Scott Adams Scott Adams Scott Adams
Terry Armstrong Terry Armstrong Terry Armstrong
Russ Barger Barbara Baker Barbara Baker
Mary Jean Brady Darrel Baker Darrel Baker
Mariana Brandt Russ Barger Russ Barger
Jim Brandt Claudia Basso Claudia Basso
Rich Brown Barbara Bond-Howard Mary Jean Brady
Carol Cann Mary Jean Brady Jim Brandt
Jenna Cassells Jim Brandt Mariana Brandt
Ann Childs Mariana Brandt Richard Brown
Les Conway Carol Cann Jenna Cassells
Elizabeth Drozda Jenna Cassells Ann Childs
Jenn Dumas Ann Childs Les Conway
Karen Ferguson Les Conway Elizabeth Drozda-Freeman
Nicole Fisher Emily Crabill Cissy Fisher
Anna Gibbons Elizabeth Drozda Nicole Fisher
Luanne Goodrich Cindy Elston Luanne Goodrich
Steve Goodrich Karen Ferguson Steven Goodrich
Briana Gulas Nicole Fisher Kerri Grechishkin
Dawn Harju Annalee Foster Sophia Grechishkin
Tony Harrah Luanne Goodrich Dawn Harju
Megan Heffernan Steven Goodrich Tony Harrah
Christie Houston Kerri Grechishkin Marrilee Harrell
Sean Howard Sophia Grechishkin Debbie Honan
Michael Jackson Briana Gulas Christie Houston
Bob Jones John Griffin Bob Jones
Jack Jones Dawn Harju Jack Jones
Lindsey Juen Tony Harrah Lindsey Juen
Paige Kirby Bill Hetherington Paige Kirby
Tasha Kirby Ann Hetherington Tasha Kirby
Ted Maloney Christie Houston Elaine Lease
Jona Matevish Sean Howard Ted Maloney
Dan McCroskey Bob Jones Jona Matevish
Alec McDougall Jack Jones Dan McCroskey
Ryan Milbrath Lindsey Juen Alec McDougall
Sarah Mintz Paige Kirby Sarah Mintz
Sue Mitchell Tasha Kirby Sue Mitchell
Marsha Morris Laura Langer Virginia Naef
China Moss Brianna Mafrici Karen Nelson
Karen Nelson Ted Maloney Janet Nevitt
Janet Nevitt Jona Matevish Frank Repplier
Frank Repplier Dan McCroskey Karen Richman
Karen Richman Alec McDougall Jim Roberts
Jim Roberts Ryan Milbrath Bill Robinson
Becky Rosencrans Sarah Mintz Bill Rogers
Tom Schmidt Sue Mitchell Judi Rogers
Sara Seward Marsha Morris Becky Rosencrans
Tristen Shaffer Virginia Naef Tom Schmidt
Mark Shinkle Karen Nelson Sara Seward
Anna Theobald Janet Nevitt Mark Shinkle
Steve Thornton Frank Repplier John Smith
Paul Vance Karen Richman Claire Swedberg
Holli Watne Jim Roberts Steve Thornton
Mike Watne Becky Rosencrans Paul Vance
Tom Schmidt Holli Watne
Sara Seward Mike Watne
Tristen Shaffer Kyle Wirth
Mark Shinkle
John Smith
Steve Thornton
Paul Vance
Holli Watne
Mike Watne