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The Skagit County Monitoring Program (SCMP) works to determine conditions and water quality trends in watercourses throughout Skagit County. The program collects bi-weekly water quality data at 40 sites and samples designated locations during storm rain events. The data is used to direct clean up efforts to meet standards set by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports.
The Skagit County Monitoring Program is an extension of the Skagit County Baseline Monitoring Plan that began in 2001.
The Skagit County Monitoring Program, established by County Resolution R20030210 (later replaced by Resolution R20040211) |
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Ambient Sites |
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Visit the site list. |
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Sampling Methods |
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 SCMP collects data from a fixed network of sites on a bi-weekly schedule. Collecting repeatable data gives a more accurate representation of water quality trends in a stream. This knowledge can help us to develop strategies to protect and improve water quality.
On a bi-weekly basis, a water sample is collected at each site and is tested for fecal coliform and E. coli. On a quarterly basis, we also collect nutrient samples that are assessed for various forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. The water samples are collected using lab sterilized bottles to ensure our results are not contaminated. We accomplish this kind of collection by using a sample collection pole from the banks of a stream or from a bridge. The samples are collected from the thalweg of each stream, which is the deepest and fastest moving part.
 In addition to the water sample, other basic water quality parameters are determined at the time of the sample. Using a YSI we can collect data on dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, and temperature. We also collect pH and turbidity data using the appropriate meters in the field.
For more information on our sampling methods and background on the program, please check out our Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and the SCMP Background and Methods document.
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Reports |
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The SCMP has completed its 20th year of water quality monitoring. Data collected during Water Year 2023 indicates that about 27% sites were at a “high concern” for water quality, while 50% were “moderate concern” and 23% were “low concern”. Most of the "high concern" sites are agricultural drainages with low summer flow that are not considered salmonid habitat.
Trend tests of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, bacterial concentrations, and nutrients revealed a mix of improving, worsening, and not changing water quality at sites and watersheds across the county. Of the significant trends identified, 63% were improvements in water quality over the past 20 years.
Want to find out more? Check out our two new and improved formats to see our results.
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Archived Reports 2004 - 2022
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Historical Program Reports |
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Samish Bay Watershed Water Quality Monitoring
The Samish Bay Watershed Water Quality Monitoring Project was initiated to try to determine sources of shellfish contamination in Samish Bay, Skagit County, Washington. In 1988, under guidance from the 'Nonpoint Rule' WAC 400-12, the Samish Watershed was given third priority ranking for controlling non-point pollution in Skagit County. |
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Baseline Monitoring Project
The Baseline Monitoring Project, conducted by the Skagit County Public Works Department Surface Water Management Section, monitored water quality in streams flowing in agricultural lands of the county from July 2001 through September 2003. The goal was to establish a baseline that characterized streams in Skagit County's agricultural areas and provided a foundation to identify trends in watershed health in the agricultural areas of the Samish and Skagit River Basins |
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