We are sampling approximately 25
sites in 2024 throughout the Kittitas
Valley to demonstrate continuing
improvements and compliance with
Washington State Department of
Ecology's Water Quality Cleanup Plans
(formerly known as TMDLs).
KCWP homepage
Kittitas County Water Purveyors
2024 Monitoring
Besides our weekly sampling routine,
we are coordinating with other
agencies using continual measuring
devices. These measure water quality
throughout the season, catching events
like late-night thunderstorms whose
effects we might other miss.
Upcoming Events
KCWP Advisory Committee meetings
Advisory Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis, generally four times a year. If you would like to address the committee, please contact us to be included on the agenda.
Advisory Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis, generally four times a year. If you would like to address the committee, please contact us to be included on the agenda.
Elementary Ag Day
Every Spring
Third graders from all of Kittitas County come to the Kittitas Valley Event Center (fairgrounds) to learn about the important role agriculture plays in our county's economic structure. They also learn about the source of the food they eat, the milk they drink, the importance of water quality, and why soil health is so vital.
Every Spring
Third graders from all of Kittitas County come to the Kittitas Valley Event Center (fairgrounds) to learn about the important role agriculture plays in our county's economic structure. They also learn about the source of the food they eat, the milk they drink, the importance of water quality, and why soil health is so vital.
Naneum, Wilson, and Cherry Creek Assessment
Working with multiple agencies and stakeholders on an assessment of existing conditions in the Naneum, Wilson, and Cherry Creek watersheds to develop long-term management plans addressing floods, infrastructure, fish habitat, and irrigation.
Voluntary Stewardship Program
Washington State's Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) was created in 2011 to provide an alternative approach for counties to address Growth Management requirements for agricultural activities. Kittitas County Conservation District, by appointment of the Kittitas County Commissioners, is directing the program. KCWP is working with the KCCD to promote and protect irrigated agriculture's interests. More information about VWP can be found here: KCCD VSP.
Upper Yakima River Basin Suspended Sediment and Organochlorine Pesticide TMDL
Weekly sampling and long-term monitoring are providing us with data/information to make necessary improvements to management practices and infrastructure to increase irrigation water quality where it intersects with natural streams and with the Yakima River.
Upper Yakima Tributaries Temperature Reduction Plan
Working with Ecology, water temperature measurements are taken throughout the valley. Limited streamflow, high summer air temperatures, and narrow riparian borders limit how cool local creeks can be. Irrigation canals tend to be cooler as they convey more water through deeper channels.
Wilson Creek Sub-Basin Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load
Fecal coliform bacteria have been found in exceedance of State standards in the Wilson Creek Sub-basin. While fecal coliforms are generally not harmful to humans, there are subsets that are extremely dangerous, including E. coli. Keeping livestock and associated manure away from streams is an important step in decreasing bacterial counts. Birds (especially waterfowl) and wildlife are perhaps even more significant contributors of coliforms, however, and their management is outside our scope.
Working with multiple agencies and stakeholders on an assessment of existing conditions in the Naneum, Wilson, and Cherry Creek watersheds to develop long-term management plans addressing floods, infrastructure, fish habitat, and irrigation.
Voluntary Stewardship Program
Washington State's Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) was created in 2011 to provide an alternative approach for counties to address Growth Management requirements for agricultural activities. Kittitas County Conservation District, by appointment of the Kittitas County Commissioners, is directing the program. KCWP is working with the KCCD to promote and protect irrigated agriculture's interests. More information about VWP can be found here: KCCD VSP.
Upper Yakima River Basin Suspended Sediment and Organochlorine Pesticide TMDL
Weekly sampling and long-term monitoring are providing us with data/information to make necessary improvements to management practices and infrastructure to increase irrigation water quality where it intersects with natural streams and with the Yakima River.
Upper Yakima Tributaries Temperature Reduction Plan
Working with Ecology, water temperature measurements are taken throughout the valley. Limited streamflow, high summer air temperatures, and narrow riparian borders limit how cool local creeks can be. Irrigation canals tend to be cooler as they convey more water through deeper channels.
Wilson Creek Sub-Basin Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load
Fecal coliform bacteria have been found in exceedance of State standards in the Wilson Creek Sub-basin. While fecal coliforms are generally not harmful to humans, there are subsets that are extremely dangerous, including E. coli. Keeping livestock and associated manure away from streams is an important step in decreasing bacterial counts. Birds (especially waterfowl) and wildlife are perhaps even more significant contributors of coliforms, however, and their management is outside our scope.
Kittitas County Water Purveyors Current Projects
Copyright 2015-2024 Kittitas County Water Purveyors
PO Box 276
Ellensburg, WA 98926
PO Box 276
Ellensburg, WA 98926
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2024 Sampling